A Message from the President
To All Members:
As an organization we have experienced many new and exciting changes to help benefit our
members. We decided to change our conference to the summer and moved the location to French Lick
for a two year timeframe. To change something for the sake of change without purpose is not a
responsible decision. The changes we made as a board regarding this past year's conference were made
for the sole benefit of serving our members and to reach out to new members. I am very pleased to
report that the changes we made produced a positive impact as we saw an increase in attendance at the
2012 conference of 19% which is extremely significant.
In looking toward the future regarding opportunities to advance and enhance STAI, I want to
inform you of some additional changes that we are looking to implement. At our last meeting, the
board voted unanimously to set a course to find and hire a part time Executive Director to assist STAI as
we grow and expand our capabilities to reach our members. The goals of the board are to reach out to
our members with professional development opportunities by many means which include our website.
One of the responsibilities of the Executive Director will be to develop and enhance professional
development opportunities for all transportation personnel throughout the State of Indiana. I have
reached out to one of our past presidents, Dave Harmon, to head a search committee to seek out and
locate the right person to help guide STAI in reaching our future goals. Dave has graciously accepted
this role and has conveyed to me his excitement regarding the future for transportation personnel
throughout the state in knowing what the right Executive Director can add to our organization.
You can see that there are many exciting things that are in store for STAI as we move into 2013.
I would encourage each of you to become involved and to plan to attend this year's conference in
French Lick. Mark it on your calendar, June 19 - 21, to be part of the conference. Come hear and see
firsthand the strides we are making and give us your input as we plan for the future. The format of the
conference will provide you valuable information and tools that will assist you in your duties and goals
of providing safe transportation to all of our students throughout Indiana. Our motto for this year's
conference is "Come Grow as a Team in 2013". We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Mike Mentzel
Annual Safety Competition
Annual Safety Competition!
Date: June 8, 2013
Location: MacAllister Machinery
2013 Technicians and Inspectors Competition!
Date: June 18, 2013
Location: MCCSC at
505 E. North Dr.
Bloomington, IN 47401
Annual Conference
Information about 2013 Annual Conference
Date: June 19 - 21, 2013
Location: French Lick, IN
Upcoming Workshops and Trainings
Information about 2013 Special Needs Training
Special Needs Transportation
State & Federal Laws
Best Practice Versus Law
When is transportation required?
Preschool / Safety Equipment
Types of Child Safety Restraint Systems
Proper Securement
Specifications for the Bus that Transports Preschoolers
Wheelchair/Lift Bus
Evaluating Individual Student Needs
Securing the Wheelchair and Student
Care & Maintenance of Equipment