Transportation Director Shares How Propane Buses Benefit Special Needs Routes

FRISCO, Texas – An Illinois transportation director shared how adopting propane-powered school buses improved conditions for students with special needs.

Diana Mikelski’s Experience

Diana Mikelski, recently retired after 32 years in student transportation, led transportation for Township High School District 211 in Illinois until this summer. She supervised 163 buses and 45 vans serving nearly 9,000 students across more than 7,700 miles every school day.

Challenge with Diesel Buses

At a Blue Bird-sponsored TSD Conference Lunch and Learn, Mikelski recalled that during a new parking lot construction, relocating the buses caused diesel emissions to drift into a nearby school building.

“When the diesel engines started, smoke entered the school, and the principal ran out to alert the drivers,”

she said, explaining the turning point that prompted them to search for a cleaner solution.

Transition to Propane

District administrators consulted neighboring districts and decided to transition to propane-powered buses for a cleaner and safer environment. The Township High School District approved a $1 million budget, combined with EPA grants, to launch the initiative.

“We started with 15 propane buses, and the process was seamless,”

Mikelski noted, crediting collaboration with Blue Bird, ROUSH CleanTech, AmeriGas, and local vendors for the successful rollout.

Author Summary

The switch to propane buses in District 211 improved air quality, enhanced safety for students, and demonstrated a smooth model for sustainable school transportation.

School Transportation News — 2025-11-09