Executive Director’s Message   

Welcome to the 2026–2027 School Year!

As school yellow buses roll across Indiana’s roads this autumn, our commitment to student safety remains stronger than ever. August marked a major milestone with the launch of our statewide "Don't Rush Into That" public school bus safety campaign. Seeing the campaign gain momentum across local media and communities has been inspiring, and I want to extend my personal gratitude to everyone who helped share this vital message.

With students settled into their daily routes, September brings a key opportunity to reinforce safe loading and unloading procedures, support our dedicated drivers, and build on our collective momentum. Thank you for your continued dedication to safely transporting Indiana's most precious cargo.

Campaign Update: "Don't Rush Into That"

Our safety campaign featuring former NFL player Lomas Brown continues to make waves across Indiana.

• Public Service Announcement Videos: High-definition video links and digital media assets remain available for download. We encourage all school districts, transportation departments, and local law enforcement partners to feature the PSA on social media pages and district communications. There are 6 videos in the series.  Find all 6 on the STAI YouTube Channel.

• Media Outreach: If your district needs customized press release templates or local media pitch materials to share with community news outlets, please reach out to the STAI administrative office.

STAI & NAPT Membership Integration 

We appreciate NAPT working with us to make this opportunity available to our members, and we hope to see a strong Indiana presence in Louisville. There is tremendous value in the work we do together here in Indiana — and just as much value in bringing Indiana's experience, ideas, and leadership to the national conversation.

When joining or renewing your STAI membership for 2027, you now have a new option available:

• STAI Individual Membership: $125

• STAI / NAPT Dual Membership: $230 (Save $20 off separate membership dues)

Choosing the dual membership gives you full access to both STAI and NAPT benefits while streamlining your process — your corporation only needs to issue a single check or electronic transfer to cover both memberships.

Another huge benefit is the shared professional certification courses. You can apply courses taken toward certification from NAPT toward your STAI/IASBO transportation director certification.  We are also in discussion with NAPT to have STAI courses apply to the NAPT certifications.

Post-Summer Event Highlights

A sincere thank-you to all participants, judges, sponsors, and host sites who made our summer events a resounding success:

• STAI Annual Conference & Trade Show (Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne): Thank you to all attendees, vendors, and presenters who contributed to insightful breakout sessions and dynamic trade show demonstrations.

• Technician Competition & Safety Roadeo (Brownsburg, IN): Congratulations once again to all the high-scoring technicians and drivers who showcased elite skills, diagnostic precision, and course navigation.

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  Essential September Checklist for Transportation Leaders

Member Reminders & Contact

• Have news to share? Send district spotlights, retiree recognitions, or local safety initiatives to be featured in upcoming issues.

• Contact Us: Visit the official STAI online portal or email the executive office for assistance with membership, campaign assets, or event details.

Quick Links & Reminders