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Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association (KSPTA) was formed in 1970 by a forward looking group of dedicated transportation professionals. It was formed to enhance and ensure the safety of students transported via school bus in the State of Kansas. To this end, the organization is still dedicated
Their website can be found at www.kspta.net
The dates for the 2026 regional safe driver competitions are quickly approaching. All Kansas school bus drivers are invited and encouraged to participate in the regional competitions. These competitions are designed to help you improve your driving and situational awareness skills. NOTE: you are not required to participate in a regional competition to qualify for the State competition however regional events give you additional preparation time for the state competition. Here are the dates for the regional events: April 11 - West Region - Garden City, KS April 18 - East Region - Emporia, KS April 25 - Central Region - Goddard, KS Remember to bring a lawn chair, sunscreen, umbrella (for shade or rain) and water! There is a study guide designed to prepare you to take the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association’s General Knowledge test. Regional test consists of 25 questions, and the state test consists of 50 questions. The Competition Manual is designed to prepare you for the actual driving portion. Both documents will be available soon on the KSPTA website.
Save the Dates! The 2026 School Transportation Safety Conference & State Driving Competiton is scheduled for June 3-5. The competition on June 3 will be hosted by Maize USD 266. Continuing education and conference events will again be at the Doubletree Hotel in Wichita. Vendor Showcase will be held on June 4 and the annual awards banquet on June 5. More information will be available soon on the KSPTA website.
National School Transportation Safety week - October 20-24, 2025 National School Transportation Appreciation Day - April 28
School Transportation Safety Unit Keith Dreiling, State Director 785-296-4567 785-296-6659 (fax) Keith.Dreiling@ksde.gov
School Transportation Safety Unit Transportation Specialist Mitch Mellick 785-296-4545 Mitch.Mellick@ksde.gov School Transportation Safety Unit Public Service Administrator Melissa Ostermeyer 785-296-5659 Melissa.Ostermeyer@ksde.gov
School Transportation Safety Unit Senior Administrative Assistant Sarah Harter-Shove 785-296-3551 Sarah.Harter@ksde.gov
The Kansas State Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. (more information...)
To accommodate people with disabilities, on request, auxiliary aides and services will be provided and reasonable modifications to policies and programs will be made. To request accommodations or for more information please contact the Office of General Counsel at gc@ksde.gov or by 785-296-3201.