“The decision to upgrade was driven by the recogni- Written by Ruth Ashmore | ruth@stnonline.com C


hange is inevitable in today’s rapidly evolving, technology-based landscape. As more, newer options become available, it becomes imperative to approach upgrading school buses with a well-re-


searched and data-backed mindset. “Ask yourself, what’s the goal? Budget efficiency? Enhanced on-road performance? Improved safety? Improved vehicle performance? Better use of personnel? Installing technology just for the sake of it can lead to disappointment,” commented Robert Scott, senior vice president of strategy for school bus camera provider 247Security. “Understand your goals, your needs and then evaluate with a clear set of guidelines.”


Decision-Making Matt Sprout is the executive director of technology at


Franklin Community School Corporation, located south of Indianapolis, Indiana. He shared the perspective of a district that is in the final stages of decision making as it prepares to place a new camera system order.


36 School Transportation News • APRIL 2025


tion that our existing system had reached an age where it no longer effectively met the evolving needs of our district,” said Sprout. “Our transportation staff is diligent and works extremely hard to meet the needs of our students. Based on their efforts and tasks, we identified limitations that impacted our ability to provide the level of service we strive for.” Seminole Independent School District in Texas, com- pleted an update of school buses with AngelTrax’s Vulcan 5 camera system in February. The district wasn’t picking a new vendor but updating technology from the current provider. However, Transportation Supervisor Randi Bull- ard stated that it’s still important to do the research. “Each district is going to have different needs, so you


should purchase based on your current needs,” said Bullard. She explained that the existing camera systems were


becoming outdated. Her research showed that staying with AngelTrax would provide the necessary options for an upgrade. After holding several team meetings to ensure this was the right path to take, she then showed sample audio and video files to the district’s CFO, who in-turn passed along the data to the school board. As for the motivation to upgrade, Bullard noted an up-


dated camera system would assist with student behavioral management and ease the process of onboard monitor- ing. She added driver support was a leading factor. Russellville School District in Arkansas had a similar


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