LEGISLATION

STAM has been very active in keeping members up-to-date on the hundreds of school bus  related bills before the legislature in Massachusetts, which will affect school bus  transportation in the very near future.  Members of the STAM Board of Directors and the STAM staff have been present at many of the hearings held at the State House.  STAM filed legislation for 7D training, drug & alcohol testing, and requirements for physical exams.  Also, there were several bills to require seat belts on school buses.  STAM members have been instrumental in making our legislators aware of the impact these bills will have on school bus contractors, superintendents, and school districts.  The STAM Board and staff also work closely with MassDOT/Registry of Motor Vehicles and the DPU and have been instrumental in drafting and implementing new school bus related regulations.  It is important for everyone involved with school transportation to be informed of these hearings and to have the opportunity for participation.  STAM will be as strong and active as ever, to keep members fully-informed of the latest news of industry developments, as they happen!

WORKERS COMPENSATION GROUP

The STAM Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Group continues to thrive and offers discounted premium rates and still pays VERY HEALTHY DIVIDENDS TO MEMBERS, which are school bus companies and school districts throughout the state of Massachusetts.  Singled-out as one of the state’s best self-insurance groups, the STAM SIG is perfectly positioned to protect STAM members from the effects of future Worker Comp rate increases through favorable underwriting practices, loss control  programs, and strong claims management procedures.  The STAM SIG is administered by USI Insurance Services/FutureComp, the leading company of its kind in New England.

STAM GROUP DISCOUNTS

Members receive discounts on all STAM Events including SBDI courses and Updated Training.

GRANT FUND FINDING & WRITING

STAM has contracted with a grant writing consultant. Get the federal and state grants you deserve and need to better your business. Leave the grant search, writing and reporting to them!

FLEET INSURANCE PROGRAM

Members are saving many times the cost of their dues through this outstanding insurance coverage which allows you to continue to work with your present agency or broker.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING CONSORTIUM

STAM Members have the opportunity to choose from three companies to meet their drug & alcohol testing requirements.  New Hampshire Motor Transport Association assisted by Fleetscreen, located in   Concord, NH; Advantage Drug Testing, located in Andover, MA; and Occupational Drug Testing, LLC located in Boston, MA are the drug and alcohol testing consortiums available to STAM members.  These are quality vendors, who will help to lower employer costs. 

MEMBER MEETINGS

STAM members are invited to attend the STAM Member Meetings to express their views and ideas on association business.  This meeting offers the valuable opportunity to network with other school bus company owners in Massachusetts. Visiting speakers, local officials, legal council, and RMV staff are often in attendance to communicate about new and upcoming issues. Board meetings are held every other month, starting in September, usually, the second Tuesday of each month on zoom. Please contact the STAM office for more information.

RECRUITING NEW SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS

Are you having a hard time recruiting new school bus drivers? When you become a STAM Member, we will send new applicants to your door. We have a high-ranking “Become A School Bus Driver” webpage and we get new applicants on a daily basis.

ANNUAL WINTER CONFERENCE

During winter break, STAM members can spend three days together, in a relaxing vacation environment, learning how to get ahead of the issues facing school bus company owners locally and nationwide. Hear from school bus industry professionals and legal council on topics such as best workplace practices for human resources, school bus contract negotiations, accident prevention, new equipment, and upcoming state and federal requirements. This conference offers members the valuable opportunity to share ideas and information to successfully navigate through the current issues facing the local industry.

LEGAL COUNSEL

Our very competent Legal Counsel is available to STAM members.  STAM members are entitled to one hour of free legal counsel.

SCHOOL BUS DRIVER INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

The STAM School Bus Driver Instructor Courses are scheduled through-out the year and are available to applicants who have been a licensed school bus driver for at least TWO Full years. Also, the USI/FutureComp/STAM Driver Safety Training for school bus drivers is available for a nominal fee per driver for all  STAM Active Members and Affiliate Members.

Members receive a discounted rate for their instructors to attend the Annual Convention and Trade Show as well as the SBDI BASIC courses and SBDI Updated Training classes. All attendee’s get to count this towards the mandated updated training every FOUR years, per 540 CMR 8.00.

BECOME A MEMBER

For more information on STAM Membership or if you should have any questions on any of the STAM Member Programs, please call or email the STAM office.

Thomas Hamilton, Executive Director: stamschoolbus@outlook.com