Minnesota School Bus Operators Association

08/30/2026

🏆 We’re closing our Summer Conference award highlights by recognizing Steve Hale of Owatonna Bus Company, recipient of the MSBOA Lifetime Achievement Award!

Established in 2006, this award honors individuals who exemplify excellence as school bus transportation providers and have dedicated at least 20 years to the industry.

Steve retired from Owatonna Bus Company after an extraordinary 47-year career devoted to safely transporting students and serving his community. His leadership, commitment, and decades of service represent the very best of Minnesota’s school transportation industry.

Congratulations, Steve, on this well-deserved lifetime achievement! 👏🚌

Read more about Steve’s remarkable career: Owatonna People’s Press, https://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/community/todd-hale-steve-hale-retiring-from-owatonna-bus-co-after-47-years/article_69ba3023-c636-494f-b096-6d16fe7c2706.html

08/29/2026

🏆 This weekend, we’re highlighting two special awards presented at the MSBOA Summer Conference. First is the Jim DeVeau Award, presented to Eric Burrill of Benjamin Bus, Inc.!

Established in 2007, the Jim DeVeau Award honors individuals whose tireless efforts throughout their careers have helped shape MSBOA and the school bus industry. Eric has been with Benjamin Bus since 1996, beginning in sales and dispatch before advancing to School Bus Manager of the Jordan facility.

“Eric is the kind of guy who does whatever it takes to get the job done. Whatever the company needs, he does—and never complains,” said John Benjamin, President of Benjamin Bus.

Congratulations, Eric, on this well-deserved honor! 👏🚌

08/28/2026

🚌 Congratulations to Paul Salfrank of Vision Transportation, recipient of the Transportation Specialist Award!

Paul is recognized for his exceptional professionalism, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to student safety. His careful attention to detail, sound judgment, and safety-first approach ensure that students are protected and cared for every day.

Known for treating everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect, Paul has earned the trust and appreciation of students, families, and coworkers alike. His steady presence and dedication to excellence represent the very best of the transportation profession. This recognition is truly well deserved! 👏🎉

08/27/2026

🚌 Congratulations to Brian Rehbein of Rehbein Transit Inc., recipient of the Transportation Specialist Award!

During his remarkable 47-year career, Brian has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student safety, operational excellence, and the people he serves. As a highly skilled mechanic, experienced driver, mentor, and trusted leader, he has helped make transportation safer while supporting generations of drivers and mechanics.

Brian’s humility, integrity, and genuine care for others represent the very best of the transportation profession. Thank you, Brian, for nearly five decades of outstanding service—this recognition is truly well deserved! 👏🎉

08/26/2026

🚌 Congratulations to Steve Peterson of Vision Transportation, recipient of the Transportation Specialist Award!

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Steve began a decades-long career in transportation. For the past 20 years, he has been a valued member of Vision Transportation, serving as both a mechanic and bus driver. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to student safety have earned the respect of students, families, and fellow drivers.

Steve’s strong connection with his students and willingness to support others exemplify the very best of the transportation profession. Also named the 2025 VFW Bus Driver of the Year, Steve is truly deserving of this recognition! 👏🎉

08/25/2026

🚌 Congratulations to Mebal Kaanyi of Schmitty & Sons Bus Co., recipient of the Transportation Specialist Award!

When faced with a life-threatening emergency, Mebal’s quick thinking, courage, and decisive action led to the rescue of a nonverbal four-year-old child from Lake Owasso. She remained calm under pressure, acted without hesitation, and ensured emergency responders were alerted.

Mebal’s students proudly call her a “Superhero”—a fitting tribute to someone whose bravery, compassion, and commitment to safety represent the very best of the transportation profession. This recognition is incredibly well deserved! 👏🎉

08/24/2026

🚌 Congratulations to Kim Burk of Park Adam Transportation, recipient of the Transportation Specialist Award!

Throughout her career as a bus driver, dispatcher, and transportation professional, Kim has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and care for the students, families, drivers, and colleagues she serves. Her reliability, professionalism, and ability to remain calm under pressure have made her a trusted leader in the St. Louis Park community.

Thank you, Kim, for your many years of service and for always going above and beyond. This recognition is well deserved! 👏🎉

08/18/2026

🏆 Celebrating Our 2026 MSBOA Award Winners! 🏆

One of the highlights of the MSBOA Summer Conference is the opportunity to recognize the incredible people who make a difference in Minnesota’s school bus industry.

This year, we were proud to honor an outstanding group of individuals for their dedication, leadership, service, and commitment to our industry and the students we serve. 🚌

Next week, we’ll be highlighting one of our 2026 award winners each day! We look forward to sharing their stories and celebrating the impact they have made on their organizations, communities, and the school transportation industry. Please join us in congratulating all of this year’s honorees—and follow along next week as we give each of them the recognition they deserve! 👏🎉

08/10/2026

🚌 When the Red Lights Are Flashing, No Passing! 🛑

As Minnesota students head back to school, lets help spread an important school bus safety message featuring former NFL standout Lomas Brown.

Every day, thousands of students rely on school buses for safe transportation. We need every motorist to do their part: slow down, stay alert, put distractions away, and NEVER pass a school bus when the red lights are flashing.

Help us spread the word by sharing this important message with your employees, families, and communities.

Because when it comes to school bus safety, Kids Deserve a Brake!

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/31/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 MN School Bus Roadeo Champions!

Please join us in recognizing the outstanding drivers who earned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in the Type A and Type C School Bus competitions at this year's School Bus Road-eo!

Your dedication to safety, precision, and professionalism was on full display, and your achievements represent the very best of Minnesota's school transportation industry.

Congratulations to all of our winners:
Type A School Bus:
🥇 1st: Michael P., Schmitty & Sons Bus Co. (Lakeville)
🥈 2nd: Christine W., Trobec's Bus Service, Inc.
🥉 3rd: Matthew G., Schmitty & Sons Bus Co. (Stewartville)

Type C School Bus:
🥇 1st: Dan O., Schmitty & Sons Bus Co. (Burnsville)
🥈 2nd: Hailey N., Transit Team Inc
🥉 3rd: Jim T., Trobec's Bus Service, Inc.

Your commitment to excellence helps keep Minnesota's students safe every day. Congratulations again to all!