School Transportation News has been “Driving the Industry” since 1991, and that’s precisely the theme for the 2009 EXPO Conference & Trade Show this summer in Reno, Nev., July 25-29. Registration is now open at www.schoolbusconference.com by clicking on “Registration” in the navigation bar.

We’re still finalizing the curriculum, which will focus on enhancing industry-wide leadership and social responsibility, as well as speakers. The NHTSA, eight-hour Child Safety Seat Technician course returns in the pre-conference track, and our STN faculty, will lead training sessions focusing on regular route, special needs and Head Start transportation as well as hands-on maintenance demos for school bus technicians.  

At this writing, here a just several of the presenters scheduled to attend: Tim Ammon; Theresa Anderson; Pete Baxter; Dr. Linda Bluth; Peggy Burns, Esq.;  Jack Burkert; Denny Coughlin; Dr. Duane Dobbert; Dick Fischer; Dale Goby; Charley Kennington; Robin Leeds; Pete Meslin; Nancy Netherland; Bob Pudlewski; Alexandra Robinson; Launi Schmutz; Dr. Larry Schneider; and Jean Zimmerman

Tentative courses include: Be Your Own Transportation Consultant; Forward-Thinking Using Technology Assistance; Understanding the 10% Disability Rule for Head Start; Many Hats: How the Law Can Make Them Fit; Pupil Transportation from All the Angles; Driver Recruitment and Retention; Kill or Nurture the Spirit; Averting a Terrorism Attack; The First Line of Defense Against Sexual Predators; A Team Approach to Building a Successful Maintenance Operation; and many more!

Be on the lookout for updates on courses and descriptions in the new year.