HomeMultimedia(STN Podcast E281) Catalyst for Change: Electric School Bus Safety, Inspired Texas...

(STN Podcast E281) Catalyst for Change: Electric School Bus Safety, Inspired Texas Rising Star

School Transportation Nation – Episode 281

Discover the new STN Transportation Director of the Year featured on our November issue cover. Other headlines include a NHTSA investigation after a driverless Waymo car illegally passed a stopped school bus and NTSB recommendations on seatbelts following a Texas school bus crash.

Frank Girardot, senior communications director for RIDE, discusses the electric school bus manufacturer’s School Bus Safety Week efforts.

Jennifer Gardella, director of transportation for Rockwall Independent School District in Texas and a 2025 STN Rising Star, discusses her childcare background, improving student relationships, training staff and receiving inspiration from fellow student transporters.

Read more about operations.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.



Message from Ride
.

 


Message from School Radio
.

 

Images courtesy of Jennifer Gardella. 

Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Stitcher and YouTube.

May 2026

The May issue dives into security and connectivity within student transportation departments. Technology meets training and utilization as incidents...

Buyer’s Guide 2026

Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal...

Poll

Should breathalyzers be mandatory on school buses?
76 votes
VoteResults