Volume 7 ......March 2026
2026 Conference Registration Is Open
Momentum is building for the 2026 STAI Annual Conference & Trade Show, and we’re excited to share that registration is officially open! In just a few short months, transportation professionals from across the state will come together June 23–25 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center for three days of connection, learning, and industry engagement.
This year’s conference theme, SAFE26 – Safety, Awareness, Fleet Management, Excellence, reflects our collective commitment to ensuring students travel safely every day. From innovative safety practices to forward-thinking fleet management strategies, SAFE26 will focus on the ideas and conversations that move our industry forward. The road to student safety starts here—and it starts with all of us.
Hotel accommodations can be made now with the Hilton at the Grand Wayne. Click the Hilton logo below to make your reservation.
Whether you’re a long-time attendee or planning to join us for the first time, the 2026 STAI Annual Conference & Trade Show promises valuable education, meaningful networking, and opportunities to engage with industry partners who support student transportation excellence.
More details will be announced soon. Register today and be part of SAFE26. Members Sponsors
Stay Connected with STAI---Wherever You Are Online
STAI is more connected than ever—and we’re meeting our members where they already are. Our expanding presence across social media platforms makes it easier to stay informed, engaged, and connected with the latest in student transportation. Whether you’re looking for breaking news, professional insight, peer discussion, or quick facts, STAI’s social channels offer something for everyone.
Facebook remains our community hub for timely updates, event announcements, and highlights from across Indiana and beyond. It’s the best place to stay current on STAI news, conference information, reminders, and important industry updates—all in one familiar space.
For more immediate updates and quick insights, X (formerly Twitter) keeps you plugged into fast‑moving conversations. This is where you’ll find brief updates on current trends, emerging issues, legislative developments, and national transportation news as it happens.
Our LinkedIn presence focuses on the professional side of student transportation. Here, STAI shares best practices, leadership insights, policy updates, and educational opportunities that support career development and organizational excellence. It’s also a great platform for connecting with colleagues, partners, and industry leaders.
If you prefer learning through video, YouTube is your go‑to resource. STAI uses YouTube to share educational content, training highlights, conference sessions, safety messaging, and informative videos that can be revisited anytime. It’s an excellent tool for professional development and team training.
We’re also excited to expand onto Instagram, where visual storytelling takes center stage. Instagram allows STAI to showcase the people behind pupil transportation, celebrate successes, highlight safety awareness, and share quick school bus facts in an engaging, easy‑to‑digest format.
In addition, STAI proudly supports the Indiana Drivers Forum on Facebook—a dedicated group designed specifically for drivers and transportation professionals to connect with peers. The forum encourages discussion, idea‑sharing, questions, and real‑world solutions from those who understand the job best. It’s a space for collaboration, support, and learning from one another’s experiences.
Across all platforms, STAI’s goal is simple: to help members stay current on laws and regulations, keep up with industry trends, learn best practices, discover educational opportunities, and stay informed with relevant news and school bus facts—all while strengthening our statewide community.
Follow, like, subscribe, and join the conversation. However you choose to connect, STAI is there to support you—every mile of the journey.
STAI/IASBO Transportation Director Certification Awarded to Newest Graduates
Amy Rosa Christina Flatter 
STAI is proud to recognize Amy Rosa and Christina Flatter as the newest recipients of the Transportation Director Certification, jointly offered by STAI and IASBO.
To earn this certification, participants must successfully complete 74 credit hours of intensive coursework designed to prepare transportation leaders for the full scope of a Transportation Director’s duties and responsibilities. The program covers all major aspects of student transportation operations, including leadership, safety, compliance, finance, fleet management, and daily operational oversight.
Achieving this certification reflects a significant commitment to professional growth and excellence in student transportation. Amy Rosa and Christina Flatter’s dedication to completing this rigorous program demonstrates their readiness to lead and support safe, efficient, and effective transportation services for Indiana’s students.
STAI congratulates both recipients on this accomplishment and thanks them for their continued commitment to advancing professionalism within pupil transportation.
Legislative Update: Transportation - Related Bills Considered This Session
During the most recent Indiana General Assembly legislative session, lawmakers considered several bills of interest to the student transportation community. STAI closely monitors proposed legislation that could impact school transportation operations, safety, and governance across the state.
This session, three bills were introduced and reviewed by legislative committees:
House Bill 1059 – Commercial Advertising on School Buses
HB 1059 proposed allowing commercial advertising on school buses. The bill prompted discussion around safety, visibility, and the role of advertising on pupil transportation vehicles.
Senate Bill 62 – Firearm Possession by a Child
SB 62 addressed firearm possession by a child. While broader in scope than transportation alone, the bill related to overall school safety considerations that are relevant to student transportation professionals.
Senate Bill 86 – Local Transportation Boards & Charter Schools
SB 86 focused on the relationship between local transportation boards and charter schools, raising questions about governance, oversight, and transportation coordination.
All three bills were reviewed in committee but did not advance out of committee and therefore did not proceed to a vote on the General Assembly floor.
STAI remains committed to keeping members informed about legislative activity and its potential impact on student transportation. We will continue to monitor future sessions and share updates on issues that matter to the safety and effectiveness of school transportation in Indiana.
Updates from ODAPC: Important information for Clearinghouse Users
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC) regularly issues bulletins to share important updates related to DOT drug and alcohol regulations. Several updates released over the past few months may be of particular interest to Clearinghouse users and DOT‑regulated employers.
One key update is the release of a Revised Employer Handbook. ODAPC has published an updated version of this handbook to assist employers who are subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. The revised handbook serves as a helpful resource for understanding employer responsibilities and maintaining compliance with federal regulations.
ODAPC also issued a notice regarding the use of marijuana, addressing questions following the December 18, 2025 Executive Order to reschedule marijuana. While the executive order has generated discussion nationwide, ODAPC clarified that DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations have not changed at this time. Marijuana remains prohibited for commercial motor vehicle operators under current DOT rules, regardless of state laws or changes in federal scheduling.
STAI encourages members and employers to stay informed by reviewing ODAPC bulletins and updated guidance to ensure continued compliance with DOT requirements. Staying current with these updates helps protect safety, supports regulatory compliance, and reinforces best practices across student transportation operations.
The state of Indiana is divided into 10 STAI regions represented by a regional director who serves on the Board of the School Transportation Association of Indiana (STAI).
Each region have meetings open to anyone in the region who wants to attend. The regional meetings bring important information to you from a state and federal level along with being an opportunity for you to explore your areas of interest or concern with fellow transportation personnel.
Join the discussion and join your Region's Circle by clicking 'Circles' in the Main Menu.
Don’t know what region you’re in? Take a look at the map to guide you.
