Volume 5 ......January 2026

The School Transportation Association of Indiana (STAI) has taken a big step toward empowering transportation professionals by launching its official YouTube channel. This platform is designed to provide transportation directors with easy access to valuable insights, training materials, and industry updates—all in one convenient location.

Why It Matters for Transportation Directors:

• On-Demand Learning: Busy schedules often make it hard to attend every in-person session. The STAI channel offers recorded webinars, safety tutorials, and best-practice guides that you can watch anytime.
• Stay Current: From legislative updates to new compliance requirements, the channel keeps you informed about changes that impact school transportation operations.
• Professional Development: Access expert interviews and leadership tips to help you manage teams effectively and improve operational efficiency.
• Community Connection: Engage with content that reflects real-world challenges and solutions shared by peers across Indiana.

Whether you’re looking to enhance safety protocols, streamline routing, or stay ahead of regulatory changes, the STAI YouTube channel is your go-to resource. Subscribe today and make professional growth part of your daily routine!       

Member Highlight: Amy Rosa: Leading with Vision and Passion 

 As Director of Transportation for Wa-Nee Community Schools and Vice President of STAI, Amy Rosa has spent nearly two decades shaping the future of student transportation in Indiana. From her early days as Assistant Transportation Director to becoming a recognized leader and recipient of the prestigious Richard Pea Award, Amy’s journey reflects a deep commitment to safety, professional growth, and collaboration. Her story is one of dedication, innovation, and the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of success.

Personal Background

• What inspired you to join STAI?
  When I started in 2006 as the Assistant Transportation Director at Wa-Nee Community Schools, the director at the time, Scott Schaffer, told me we were going to a conference and that I was going to be a member. I’ve been a member ever since and have enjoyed every minute.
• Can you share a bit about your professional journey so far? Include any awards or projects.
  I have not attended one STAI meeting, conference, or professional development session where I have not learned something new. This industry provides so much depth and opportunity for growth that even after 20 years, the journey is still challenging and rewarding. Above all, the people I have met along the way are the greatest award anyone could ever receive. Working alongside exceptional professionals and people of high moral character has been the best professional benefit and a personal blessing. As we work to promote STAI conferences, regional meetings, the school bus safety competition, professional development opportunities, and colleague collaboration events, we have built lifelong friendships that encourage each other through the daily challenges in transportation. The honor of receiving the Richard Pea award alongside Terry Tippin in 2025 is certainly the highlight of my career and a testimony to all the people who have supported me along the journey, both here at Wa-Nee and in the STAI organization.

Role and Contributions

• What projects or initiatives have you been most proud of within STAI?
  For years, STAI has wanted to grow the professional development track offered to members. The conference itself is annually a great undertaking and takes much time for the organizers to prepare. Therefore, the time for professional development ran short. However, in recent years, with the strong leadership of recent STAI presidents and a new opportunity to collaborate with ISABO, the new director’s track has helped us reach our long-term goal. It is exciting to see so many taking advantage of this professional opportunity.
• How has your involvement in STAI impacted your work or perspective?
  In transportation, there seems to be more than one way to accomplish many tasks. I appreciate learning from others to create more efficient and safer policies and procedures to positively impact our operations here at Wa-Nee. Plus, we have a lot of fun when we get together!

Expertise and Insights

• What trends or challenges do you see shaping our industry right now?
  Unfortunately, I see the lack of funding hitting transportation the hardest. Schools are making a huge mistake by pushing off bus purchases. This will only move the problem to a different day and accumulate greater expense in the end. Directors must advocate for the safety of students and hold fast to solid bus replacement plans.
• Do you have any advice for new members looking to make an impact?
  Do not isolate yourself and think you know everything there is to know about school bus transportation. You don’t. There is always something more to learn or relearn. I have forgotten more than I know.

Personal Touch

• What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
• I am the Deputy Mayor of the City of Nappanee, Indiana.
• I’d rather be a symphony conductor or play a part in a Broadway musical…not a major role, maybe a tree or a cat or something.
• If you could describe STAI in three words, what would they be?
  PROFESSIONAL
  EDUCATIONAL
  FUN
  
  

Looking Ahead

• What are your goals for the coming year within STAI?
  It would be awesome to see every school in the State of Indiana represented at the conference by June of 2026 or June of 2027 or at least in the membership.
• How do you see the community evolving in the future?
  With the use of MemberClicks, I see us utilizing technology more to develop a database of resources for directors to utilize as they develop and improve their departments. Again, I hope this helps us expand to all districts in the State of Indiana so that everyone can benefit and all kids are safer.

  ---

   

Mrs. Tiana Bunnell-Mumford, CMA

CEO & Lead Instructor
Creative Minds Healthcare Solutions (CMHCS)
Call/Text: 317-759-1002
www.cmhealthsolution.com