California Association of School Transportation Officials

Please note our new address, PO Box 340544, Sacramento, CA 95834

Welcome to the California Association of School Transportation Officials "CASTO" webpage. Here you will be able to sign up, renew, or update your membership, register for upcoming events and receive important information in regards to California's School Pupil Transportation Industry.

Upcoming events

Chapter Workshops

Please see the Upcoming Events - Roadeo Page for more Chapter Roadeo summaries and results

Chapter 1's second workshop was a total success and did not disappoint. We were fortunate to enjoy a beautiful, sunny day, which made for a perfect outdoor picnic lunch and an even better overall experience.

Most importantly, the energy was electric as we welcomed 83 dedicated participants—a fantastic turnout that shows just how committed our transportation community is to excellence in school transportation.

Aquinas High School’s San Bernardino facility and staff were on-site bright and early, ensuring we had access to all necessary areas well before the workshop began. Their support and preparation played a key role in the smooth execution of the day.

A huge thank you goes out to our generous sponsors—RIDE Bus, AZ Bus, Schools First, and Model 1. Their continued support helped make this workshop possible, and we are incredibly grateful for the commitment and partnership.

A round applause for our presenters who gave up a Saturday or while on duty showed to help enlighten our attendees! Thank you!

• CHP Officer Ivan Sandoval, CHP/PIO San Bernardino Being Safe with Today’s Challenges

• San Bernardino County Sherriff Deputy Cody Becker and his team, Opioid Awareness & Safety for School Transportation

• Julie Reyes, Driver Instructor/Independent Ins and Outs and Ups and Downs of Field Trips

• Kelly La Ponsey, Driver Instructor/Durham Student Services Got Brakes????

We’re excited to keep the momentum going and look forward to what’s next!”

 

 

On February 7, 2026, CASTO Chapter 4 celebrated a landmark moment—the first in-person workshop since the pandemic—by bringing together an enthusiastic crowd of 87 participants for a day of camaraderie, hands-on learning, and community spirit. The agenda was filled with energy, featuring high-impact sessions such as “Active Shooter/First Observer” certification and scenario-based drills, followed by a practical deep dive into “Railroad Crossing Safety” and a lively discussion on “It’s All About Safety: Rules and Regulations.”

Attendees actively engaged in each session, asking thoughtful questions, sharing experiences, and strengthening the collaborative network that makes CASTO thrive. A special thank-you goes to our sponsor, BYD—particularly Jason Shi—for keeping everyone fueled with fresh Starbucks coffee and a generous supply of Porto’s, turning an already memorable day into an unforgettable celebration of safety and solidarity.

     




Presidents Message


October, 2026

Happy October, CASTO Members!

Fall is in full swing, and I hope your school year is off to a great start. As we settle into our routines, October gives us an important opportunity to refocus on what matters most in our profession: the safety of every student we transport. It is also a busy time for CASTO, with professional development opportunities ahead and our annual conference just around the corner.

CASTO Business Management Forum

The 2026 CASTO School Transportation Business Management Forum is coming up October 21–23 at the Delta by Marriott in Garden Grove/Anaheim. Registration is still open, and the topic matrix has been posted!

I encourage you to join us, invest in your professional growth, and take advantage of the conversations and connections that make CASTO such a valuable resource.

Register for the 2026 CASTO Business Management Forum

Local Chapter Workshops & Opportunities

Our local CASTO chapters are hard at work providing workshops and professional development opportunities for transportation professionals throughout California! These events are a great way to learn from industry colleagues, share ideas, strengthen your skills, and build connections close to home.

I encourage you to visit the Chapter Events page to explore upcoming workshops and events in your area. Whether you are looking to expand your knowledge, connect with fellow transportation professionals, or get more involved with your local chapter, there are opportunities waiting for you!

Get involved, keep learning, and stay connected with CASTO!

CASTO 2027 Annual Conference

It’s time to mark your calendars for the 59th CASTO Annual Conference and Trade Show, taking place February 27–March 1, 2027, in Sacramento.

Registration opens Wednesday, October 28!

We anticipate another well-attended conference, so I encourage you to register early. Our annual conference is a wonderful opportunity to learn, network, celebrate our profession, and strengthen the relationships that help us serve California’s students. I look forward to seeing everyone in Sacramento!

October Is School Bus Safety Month

October is National School Bus Safety Month, with National School Bus Safety Week observed October 19–23, 2026. This observance is an important reminder that school bus safety is a shared responsibility involving transportation professionals, school staff, parents, students, motorists, and our communities.

Every day, school transportation professionals work diligently to provide safe transportation for students. However, our commitment to safety cannot stop at the bus yard or the driver's seat. It requires continued education, public awareness, proper training, and the attention of everyone who shares the road.

As we recognize School Bus Safety Week, I encourage each of you to reinforce these important reminders with your teams and communities:

  • Know the Danger Zone. Remind students to stay clear of the areas around the bus where the driver may not be able to see them.

  • Check every bus, every time. Ensure no student is left unattended on a school bus at the end of a route.

  • Stay alert and never rush. Drivers must remain attentive to traffic, pedestrians, and changing conditions, particularly near schools and in residential neighborhoods.

  • Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Children can be unpredictable, and motorists must remain alert around school zones, bus stops, and neighborhood streets.

  • Prioritize driver training and instructor certification. Proper preparation and ongoing training are essential to safe student transportation.

I also encourage districts and transportation professionals to continue sharing school bus safety public service announcements and educational resources throughout the year. One week of awareness is valuable, but consistent reminders and safe practices are what help create lasting change.

As transportation leaders, we know that safety is built through daily decisions, clear expectations, accountability, and a willingness to continually improve. Let’s use this month to renew our commitment to those practices and to remind our communities that every student, every stop, and every trip matters.

Thank you for the work you do each day to keep California’s students safe. I appreciate your dedication to this profession and to the students and families who depend on us.

Stay safe, stay connected, and I hope to see many of you at a local chapter workshop or in Garden Grove later this month!

Warm regards,

Chrissie Stevenson | President 
California Association of School Transportation Officials


Mobile Membership Access

       

Google Play Store   Apple Store

Mobile Event App

 

Google Play Store      Apple Store



Why Should You Be a CASTO Member?

This document will aid you with answering the question..."Why should I be a CASTO Member?"

WhyCASTO?

Looking for a career change? 

Check out our Job Announcements page

CASTO's Official Address

CASTO

PO Box 340544

Sacramento, CA 95834

Chapter Assignments


Statewide CASTO Events

castoways.org | 855.227.8668

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software