Volume 9 ......May 2026
A Message from the Executive Director
As we reach the midpoint of 2026, June gives us a chance to reflect on progress, reinforce safety, and prepare for the busy summer months ahead. With the school year wrapping up for many districts, transportation teams continue working behind the scenes to ensure readiness for the next academic year.
This month is also National Safety Month, making it the perfect time to recommit to the safe and efficient transportation of Indiana’s students—our top priority every single day.
We are officially halfway through 2026—a great time to evaluate progress and plan ahead.
- Where can efficiency or communication be strengthened?
- What goals should be prioritized before the new school year?
Executive Director, STAI
Countdown to the 2026 Roadeo & Safety Competition
Excitement is building for the 2026 STAI Roadeo & Safety Competition, taking place:
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Saturday, June 20 -
Brownsburg Schools
The Roadeo is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of skill, professionalism, and pride in the work our drivers do every day.
Why Participate?
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Showcase driving expertise and safety knowledge -
Represent your district with pride -
Connect with peers from across Indiana -
Support driver morale, recognition, and retention
Competitions are open for:
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General Education Division -
Special Needs Division (teams of two)
Winners from each division will advance to the National Competition.
Registration, station information, and preparation videos are available on the STAI website. We encourage districts to send one, two, or all of their drivers — and to come out and cheer them on!
Technician & Mechanic Competition – June 18
STAI is also looking forward to the 2026 Technician/Mechanic Competition, a highlight event for maintenance professionals across the state.
- Thursday, June 18
- Brownsburg Transportation Center
This competition allows technicians and mechanics to demonstrate their diagnostic abilities, technical knowledge, and commitment to safety and excellence. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, this is a great opportunity to learn, compete, and connect.
Registration is open now — don’t miss it!
Training & Professional Development Opportunities
STAI remains committed to providing education and training opportunities to enhance school transportation across Indiana.
Opportunities Available:
- Transportation Director Certification programs
- Online training and webinars
- Industry updates and best practices
- Peer networking and collaboration
Make the most of summer downtime to invest in professional growth.
Looking Ahead: 2026 STAI Conference & Trade Show
Do mist the 2026 STAI Conference & Trade Show in Fort Wayne, June 23, 24, 25..
The conference brings together:
- Transportation directors and administrators
- Supervisors and dispatchers
- Drivers, technicians, and industry partners
In addition to educational sessions and networking, attendees can look forward to:
- The annual Golf Outing and Euchre event
- Exhibitor engagement and product showcases
- Peer connections that extend well beyond the conference
If you haven’t registered yet, it's not too late.
Safety & Advocacy Focus: Staying Vigilant Through the Summer
With school letting out across Indiana, student safety dynamics shift dramatically. While the daily rush of regular routes is winding down, our mission doesn't take a summer vacation. Use this season to keep your teams focused, your drivers sharp, and your local communities informed.
Summer Stop-Arm Violation Awareness
It is vital to remind our districts that school buses are still a major presence on the road. Between summer school routes, camp trips, and community youth programs, our buses are out there—but average motorists are often far less expectant of them.
Maximize Your Downtime: Emergency Response Training
The summer gap provides the perfect operational window to focus on comprehensive driver development without the stress of the daily bell schedule. We strongly encourage all transportation directors to utilize this downtime for:
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Emergency Evacuation Drills: Conduct hands-on, realistic drills so both veteran and new drivers know exactly what to do in a crisis.
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Protocol Updates: Review and refresh your district's safety manuals, specialized student transport plans, and emergency response chain-of-command.
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Advanced Driver Training: Focus on defensive driving techniques tailored to handling busy summer construction zones and increased seasonal traffic.
By staying proactive today, we guarantee a safer rollout when the routers crank back up in August.
Quick Links & Reminders
- STAI News & Newsletter Archive
- MemberClicks Portal
- Follow STAI on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, and Instagram
Thank you for your continued support of STAI and for the vital role you play in safely transporting Indiana’s students each day. We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!
STAI Regions
Don’t know what region you’re in? Take a look at the map to guide you.
June At-A-Glance
| Date | Event | Location |
| June 20 | STAI Safety Roadeo Competition | Brownsburg East Middle School |
| June 23–25 | STAI Annual Conference & Trade Show | Grand Wayne Convention Center |
| Late June | Summer Fleet Maintenance Window | District Garages Statewide |