Presidents Message: 
Back to School

Where did summer vacation go? Can you believe school is starting all over in California?

I hope everyone took some time to get away and recharge, relax and spend time doing what you love.

It is a very exciting time in school transportation! How many of you heard about the new school transportation funding bill that Governor Newsom signed? The news came on June 30, 2022, that Newsom signed to approve: Ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund money providing $637 million to the home–to–school transportation LCFF add-on so LEAs can be funded at up to 60% of their transportation costs, or their current add-on, plus ongoing COLA. Also, in the final budget: Provides $1.5 billion one-time Proposition 98 General Fund to the California Energy Commission and California Air Resources Board to administer a zero-emission school bus program that will prioritize low-income and rural LEAs and LEAs purchasing electric school buses with bi-directional charging (two way charging).

CASTO and school bus professionals up and down the state of California have been advocating for “full funding” for many years as a matter of fact I have been hearing it over and over since becoming a CASTO member in 2008. When speaking to many past CASTO presidents, Life Members and CASTO historians they have expressed happiness and excitement and some have said this is just the beginning to get to full funding. I truly believe this as well. Besides CASTO, there were other advocates helping out as well.

CSEA was one and our CASTO lobbyist Mr. David Neben. I had the pleasure meeting some key folks from CSEA, Senator Nancy Skinner who authored SB 878 (which pushed for better funding and increased home – to – school transportation) and Mr. Neben at the State Capitol at the end of March. I testified in front of the State Senate and spoke my allotted three minutes. I stated vital information in just three minutes, and I will admit, I was nervous! What a great experience; one I shall never forget. Thank you to every single person who helped school transportation get to this point with better funding. Countless hours were spent on this topic. You are appreciated more than you know!

One thing I love to say is “we are all in this together” and I know we can work together to make this an even better industry than it was yesterday. I know I’m not the only one who always has hope and big dreams. My paternal grandmother used to always say “Matthew, without hope what do we have?” I’ll never forget those words.

On behalf of the entire CASTO State Executive Board and State Board of Directors, we wish each and every one of you a safe and prosperous 2022-2023 school year. We look forward to seeing you at the Business Management Forum which will be held at the Delta by Marriott in Anaheim on October 19 - 21, 2022. The 55th Annual State Conference will be held at the Burbank Airport Marriott on February 25 - 27, 2023. I hope to see you all at both of these events!

Matt Thomas,
2022-2023 CASTO State President