Durham School Services driver places at NSTA safety competition

Durham School Services driver Shaina Martin competed in the National School Transportation Association’s School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in Austin, Texas, after qualifying through a Kansas bus rodeo. Her finish highlights the role of driver training and safety skills in student transportation, while Durham points to her as an example of career growth in the field.

Why it matters: - Shaina Martin’s result puts a Durham School Services driver on a national stage for school transportation safety. - The competition spotlights the skills that matter most in student transportation: safe driving, precision and calm under pressure. - Durham School Services is using Martin’s performance to underscore hiring and retention in a field that depends on trusted drivers.

What happened: - Shaina Martin, a Durham School Services driver in Salina, Kansas, competed over the weekend in the National School Transportation Association’s School Bus Driver International Safety Competition in Austin, Texas. - Martin was one of 89 participants from across North America. - She finished 6th overall in the Transit Bus category and 1st in the private contractor division at her local Kansas Bus Rodeo hosted by the Kansas State Pupil Transportation Association. - That result earned Martin an invitation to the international competition. - At the NSTA event, Martin took a written CDL Knowledge test on day one and a Driving Skills Competition on day two.

The details: - Competition events included railroad grade crossing, diminishing clearance, parallel parking, and right and left turns. - Martin started with Durham School Services as a school bus driver in Overland Park, Kansas, in 2023. - She later moved to a new team in Salina and took on work as a transit driver after encouragement from her manager, Kevin Kuder. - Martin said her first experience at the state competition pushed her outside her comfort zone and led to her first plane ride and the nationals trip. - Martin said the national competition was a “rush and a challenge” and that she learned from the experience. - Martin said the career gave her meaningful, stable work and a chance to make a difference for students every day. - Martin said the transition from a school bus to a transit-style bus helped her grow professionally and personally. - Martin said the move challenged her to learn a different vehicle and keep improving as a driver. - Kevin Kuder said Martin turned each opportunity into growth, confidence and success, and that he was proud she was recognized on a national stage. - Martin said the most rewarding part of the job is helping students feel safe, respected and valued. - Martin said a simple smile, greeting or calm ride can make a difference in a student’s day. - Martin said student transportation requires patience, responsibility, compassion and a strong focus on safety. - Martin encouraged people interested in the field to explore Durham School Services, which has 160+ locations in North America. - Durham School Services directs job seekers to career opportunities.

Between the lines: - Martin’s path shows how a local skills competition can become a pipeline to broader recognition in student transportation. - The company is framing the story around safety culture, professional development and community service rather than just individual achievement. - The emphasis on transit-bus competition suggests Durham values flexibility across vehicle types, not only traditional school bus driving.

What's next: - Durham School Services is continuing to recruit for student transportation roles across North America. - Martin’s national appearance could help the company highlight internal advancement and training opportunities for drivers. - The next visible measure of this momentum will be whether Durham turns this recognition into stronger hiring interest and employee development.