Executive Director’s Message   

Welcoming October & Navigating Industry Challenges Together

As school routes settle into autumn routines across the Hoosier State, safe, reliable pupil transportation remains our top priority. Industry data from Zonar and School Transportation News highlights that technology and safety innovations—particularly camera systems and student ridership verification—are top investment priorities across pupil transportation. However, we recognize that many of our school district teams remain data-rich but staff-poor, with limited personnel being the single greatest barrier to acting on key transportation metrics.

STAI continues to stand alongside you as a partner, advocate, and resource hub. There has never been a more important time to stay connected with fellow professionals who understand these operational challenges firsthand. Thank you for everything you do to keep Indiana's students moving safely each and every day.

What Transportation Directors Are Concentrating On

As we evaluate statewide trends and member discussions heading into October, Indiana school transportation directors are focusing heavily on five key areas:

1. Recruitment & Long-Term Retention: With 75% of leaders citing hiring/retention as their top hurdle and 70% viewing driver shortages as a long-term issue, districts are refining wage structures, workplace culture, and recruiting campaigns.

2. Student Safety & Stop-Arm Enforcement: Strengthening community awareness on stop-arm compliance—including our "No Rushing: When Red Lights Are Flashing, No Passing" public awareness campaign.

3. Emergency Preparedness & Evacuations: Updating clear driver protocols, evacuation procedures, and student verification tracking to safeguard student welfare in critical situations.

4. Parent Communication & Transparency: Closing parent communication gaps and building trust using app-based route tracking and real-time alerts.

5. Regulatory & Facilities Compliance: Navigating underground storage tank (UST) and IDEM inspection cycles, documentation, grant options, and alternative transport standards (McKinney-Vento/Foster Care).

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   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.

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STAI & NAPT Membership Integration

STAI Membership Renewal Opens October 1!

As a reminder, our membership renewal period officially opens on October 1. When joining or renewing your membership for 2027, you have two flexible options:

• STAI Individual Membership: $125

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

Choosing the dual-membership option grants you full access to both STAI and NAPT benefits while streamlining process administration—your corporation only needs to issue a single check or electronic transfer. Shared certification courses also allow coursework to apply toward both STAI/IASBO and NAPT credentials.

Exclusive Benefit: Attend NAPT ACTS 2026 in Louisville & Save $226!

As part of our state affiliate partnership with NAPT, STAI is pleased to offer a special discount to all members attending NAPT ACTS 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky, from October 3–7, 2026.

• Special Member Savings: NAPT is extending its member registration rate to active STAI members—saving you $226 off the non-member rate!

• Registration Code: Keep an eye on your inbox for the exclusive registration code and instructions sent to all STAI members prior to registering.

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Essential October Checklist for Transportation Leaders

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STAI Regions

Don’t know what region you’re in? Take a look at the map to guide you.   

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STAI Calendar of upcoming Events Link