Student Transportation of America (STA) has promoted Gene Kowalczewski to chief operating officer of STA's School Transportation Group, the company announced today. In his new role, Kowalczewski will oversee the group’s North American school bus operations. 

Patrick Vaughan, the president of STA’s School Transportation Group, said that Kowalczewski has developed a positive reputation for being an effective leader and communicator throughout his almost 30-year career.

“Since joining STA back in 2008, Gene and his team have been at the forefront of the company’s historic growth from Maine to Florida,” Vaughan said. “Their results in the areas of safety and service are highly respected throughout STA, and we look forward to his outstanding leadership carrying on throughout our organization.”

“There are many challenges facing the school transportation industry currently, such as combating driver shortages, improving safety measures, developing new technologies, pushing alternative fuels, and working to improve and better communicate directly with parents and other stakeholders,” Kowalczewski added. “ We will continue to work with our customers to overcome the various challenges they face and stay extremely focused on safety and service.”

Kowalczewski is a fellow New Yorker and former member of NYSBCA's Board of Directors.

Don't miss the March 6, 2019 deadline.

EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality is soliciting applications nationwide for projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions, particularly from fleets operating at or servicing goods movement facilities located in areas designated as having poor air quality. Further, priority for funding will be given to projects which result in outcomes that benefit affected communities, those that engage affected communities with respect to the design and performance of the project, and those which can demonstrate the ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

EPA anticipates awarding approximately $40 million in DERA funding under this announcement. Awards will be issued and managed through EPA’s Regional Offices. EPA anticipates awarding 2 to 8 cooperative agreements per EPA Region, subject to the availability of funds, the quality of applications received, and other applicable considerations.

Click here to find out more about this grant opportunity.

During the 2019-20 school year, SED will be conducting a Master Instructor Preparation Program. The program will consist of a total of nine instructional days during three sessions, of three days each, in the beginning, middle and end of the course. All classes will be conducted in the Albany area. The preparation program will also include of a year-long apprenticeship or mentor program (July 2019 – July 2020), during which candidates will work with a certified Master Instructor to develop a project.

Applications will be scored on a point system. All applications must be received no later than April 1, 2019. If you should have any questions concerning the application process, your eligibility or your application specifically, please feel free to call Jim Minihan at (914) 941-7700 ext. 1335.

PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, the nation's 29th largest accounting and advisory firm, announced today that GKG CPAs, an accounting, consulting and financial services firm based in Chestnut Ridge, NY has joined the firm. The move is part of PKF O’Connor Davies’ ongoing strategic growth initiative focused on deepening the Firm’s expertise in key practice areas. GKG brings experience in key industries, including transportation, food manufacturing and processing, employee benefit plans and not-for-profits.

“GKG is perfect fit for the Firm’s strategic growth goals,” said Kevin J. Keane, Managing Partner. “We’re eager to work with like-minded individuals with a strong dedication to serving clients, and GKG has demonstrated that commitment over the years. “We welcome the GKG team and look forward to their efforts to expand the Firm’s knowledge and services in critical practice areas.”

Six partners and about 40 employees will join the Firm. Some employees will move to PKF O’Connor Davies’ Woodcliff Lake, NJ, office and others will remain in GKG’s Newburgh, NY, location. For 25 years, GKG has provided comprehensive business consulting, tax and estate planning, auditing, reviews and compilations, and accounting and financial management services to middle and large-market businesses and individuals with complex needs.

“PKF O’Connor Davies has a strong reputation for its industry-leading practices and unmatched focus on client service,” said GKG Managing Partner, Donald R. Karlewicz. “We’re thrilled to join forces with an established and internationally renowned firm.”

It's time for membership renewals with the New York School Bus Contractors Association (NYSBCA) and we thank you for being a member throughout 2018. Hopefully you will consider continuing your membership and that you find the information and benefits offered helpful to you. Watch your mail for your renewal notice (followed up with a few email reminders).

Remember, our association is here to help you and your business. If you have some news to share, a question for us to research, or a suggestion, be sure to give us a call (518-220-9905) or send us an e-mail ( Jennifer@JenniferBruce.us) and we will find the answers for you and share the information. If there are others in your company that would like to be added to our distribution list, just let us know!

Click here to download your membership renewal form.

The job of researching suggested changes to the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures (NSTSP) falls to the assigned NCST Writing Committees. The Writing Committees are now up and running, including the new Emerging Technologies Writing Committee. If you are not serving on a Writing Committee and believe you may be qualified as a subject matter expert, please contact the appropriate Chair.

The NCST is now accepting change requests from any interested party. All change requests must be made on the 2020 Change Request Form found on the NCST website. The deadline for submission of change requests is March 31, 2019. All requests must be submitted by that date in accordance with the form instructions to allow the Writing Committees time to review and properly research the proposals before the 2020 Congress. Under the Congress' procedures, the Writing Committee Chairs must notify all persons submitting change requests of the status of their respective requests following the committees' deliberations and decisions. This feedback to submitters must occur well prior to the on-site Congress.

The process for each state to announce its state delegation representatives will be announced next summer by each of the sponsoring organizations. In the meantime, please submit any proposals for changes to the NSTSP with the required rationale and background information, visit the website, and stay tuned for further information.

Since 1939, the NCST Congresses have been held periodically with the primary objective of ensuring safe, efficient transportation for schoolchildren. Since 1980, the more than 300 delegates from across the U.S. who make up the NCST have convened every five years. 

Any  questions  can  be  directed  to  Patrick  McManamon,  Steering  Committee  Chair, at patrick.mcmanamon@vermont.gov.