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MARCH 2025 | CONTENTS
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COVER STORY
16 Illuminating Safety : Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Enhances Bus Visibility with First Light Safety Products
Visibility is critical for school bus safety . For the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind , which operates a unique and expansive transportation system , ensuring the safety of students and staff on the road is a top priority
FEATURES
13 A Lasting Influence on the Community : the Story of Chante Coad
Coad had an esteemed career as a firefighter , and after her remarkable journey , she retired as a firefighter and became a school bus driver
14 RIDE helps WJUSD Move Toward Full Electrification
In a significant move toward sustainable student transportation , the Woodland Joint Unified School District in California has embarked on an ambitious project to integrate electric school buses into its fleet
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15 Saratoga Springs City School District Bridges the Gaps with busHive
The Saratoga Springs City School District in New York is transforming its transportation operations with the help of busHive , a software solution streamlining critical processes and reducing inefficiencies
20 NAPT Member Spotlights – Women ’ s History Month
School BUSRide spoke with three women who demonstrate exceptionalism in pupil transportation
24 An Interview with Molly McGee Hewitt : 2025 NAPT Statement On Seat Belts & School Buses
Our new statement , which was recommended by the members of our Public Policy Committee and adopted unanimously by our Board , relies on our belief that our members must be empowered and enabled to make decisions that meet the needs and priorities of their communities and schools
27 Downingtown Area School District Keeps Dispatch , Parents , and Administrators in the Loop with Transfinder
The Downingtown Area School District in Pennsylvania has significantly enhanced its transportation operations by implementing Transfinder ’ s advanced technology solutions
COLUMNS
6 FROM THE NAPT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO
By Dr . Molly McGee-Hewitt
DEPARTMENTS 8 DISPATCH
4 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | MARCH 2025