STA Reaches Out to Florida School District with First-Ever Roadeo

July 19, 2011

Student Transportation of America welcomed families of Marion County (Fla.) School District transportation professionals to a safety roadeo and barbecue as the school bus contractor awaits word on a contract proposal.

STA employees and executives display a check for $7 million to Marion County School District to purchase the fleet of buses and to offset the budget deficit. After the RFP process, STA was the transportation provider recommended by the school board’s selection committee. A final school board vote will take place on July 26.

(Photo courtesy Student Transportation of America)

The school board was originally scheduled to vote on June 28, but that was postponed until July 26. In the meantime, event organizers planned the meet and greet to build communication and teamwork as STA aims to become the district’s transportation provider.

According to school officials, bringing STA aboard would generate $2.6 million in annual cost savings plus $2.5 million from proposed capital outlays. STA is offering to invest $6 million into the fleet and to bring in more than 100 brand-new school vehicles at a cost of $7 million in the first year of the five-year contract.

“STA is a family of local companies, so we are showing by example that we want to extend our family,” Moyer said. “We’re bringing the bus drivers down and going out to dinner as a team to show that they are involved in this whole process. It’s a team activity for everyone at STA to pull together to get this contract.”

More than 100 drivers and mechanics put their driving and safety skills to the test at the district’s July 19 School Bus Driver Safety Roadeo. In between eating and competing, STA executives were on hand to provide information on their services and answer questions.

“One of our goals is for the drivers to have fun and participate in the rodeo but also to meet and greet with STA. We wanted the bus drivers, mechanics and everyone in the transportation department to ask any questions they may have about our business,” said Jason Moyer, director of business development for STA. “This is a relationship-building opportunity for all of us.”

Roadeo prizes included $250 for first place, $125 for second and $50 for third, with runners-up receiving gift cards from local Ocala-area vendors. STA Education Foundation representatives also donated $1,000 to “Operation: Stuff the Bus,” Marion County’s annual drive to collect school supplies and financial aid for their homeless students.