Program areas at Calif Association of School Transport Officials
In February 2024, CASTO held the 56th Annual State Conference in Anaheim, CA. Conference program topics are related to pupil transportation services. Topics serve CBOs, Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Dispatchers, Driver Instructors, and School Bus Drivers. The topics vary from school bus accidents, public relations, driver training, drug and alcohol awareness, staff shortages and onboarding new employees, electric vehicle and infrastructure requirements, leadership trainings, car seat safety awareness, and CHP terminal inspections. The event served approximately 460 attendees and 46 vendors.
In April and May 2024, CASTO held the Northern Sectional Roadeo in Galt, CA, the Southern Sectional Roadeo in Irwindale, CA, and the Championship Roadeo in Galt, CA. The main focus of this event if to promote safety for school bus drivers. The drivers come to test their skills in obstacle courses that include backing, parallel parking, student loading and unloading, right and left hand turns, and written exams on rules and regulations and vehicle inspections. These events served approximately 100 attendees and no vendors. These events were offered for free to existing CASTO membership.
In October 2023, CASTO held the 2023 School Transportation Business Management Forum in Anaheim, CA. Conference program topics are related to pupil transportation services and geared specifically to CBOs, Directors, Managers, and Supervisors. The topics vary from designated employer representative training for drug and alcohol testing, understanding the requirements of the DOT Clearinghouse, grant funding, electric vehicle buses and next steps, capturing reimbursable funds, state agencies panels, and legislative updates. The event served approximately 110 attendees and 22 vendors.