Part of ZeroNow’s Conversations expert panel discussion series, this session brings together leading voices in school transportation, safety, and security to examine the critical challenges and emerging solutions in bus safety. From driver training and student behavior management to new technologies for monitoring and incident response, our panel will share practical strategies and real-world experiences that help ensure every student’s journey is as safe as possible. Whether you oversee transportation, manage security, or set policy, this deep dive will provide actionable insights to strengthen your district’s safety practices from curb to classroom.Guest PanelistsChris WeedinProject Manager·School Safety Operations and Coordination Center (SSOCC) in South Central Washington StateChris Weedin is the project manager for the School Safety Operations and Coordination Center (SSOCC) in South Central Washington State. The SSOCC provides school safety training, resources, assessments, consultation and leading practices for approximately 100 schools. Chris has trained thousands of school staff, students and parents in a variety of safety and security topics. He has a pre-law degree from the University of Washington, has worked in private security and is an accomplished martial artist and self defense trainer. Chris is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, a Fusion Liaison Officer with the Washington State Fusion Center and has helped write and implement school safety legislation such as statewide safety staff training and the HearMeWA anonymous youth safety tipline. He can be reached by email at chris.weedin@esd105.org.Joseph RedmondSenior Manager of Security·First StudentJoe Redmond serves as Senior Security Manager at First Student, North America’s largest provider of school transportation, with over 46,000 buses and more than 550 locations across the U.S. and Canada. With extensive experience spanning the U.S. Marine Corps, law enforcement, and private-sector security leadership, Joe advances First Student’s mission to deliver unmatched care and the safest ride to school. A Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) through ASIS International, Joe leads enterprise-wide safety and risk initiatives, responding to over 575 incidents annually while fostering field-level engagement and operational resilience. He trains and leads the Location Security Liaison (LSL) program, embedding proactive security culture across all levels. Joe also serves on the Technical Review Committee for the newly published ASIS International School Security Standard, helping shape global best practices for K–12 security. He is recognized for transforming security into a trusted enabler of safety, leadership, and operational excellence.Dennis RyanTransportation DirectorNorth Penn School District
