Empowering school transportation professionals with resources, education, and advocacy for safe, efficient student transportation.
The STAA Executive is the heart of our association
— a dedicated team of 13 individuals from across Alberta with extensive experience in the school bus industry. They work tirelessly to provide members with the tools, resources, and advocacy needed to succeed as supervisors, directors, or managers in student transportation.
Meeting multiple times a year, the Executive discusses industry updates, addresses concerns from local zones, explores professional development opportunities, and collaborates with government agencies. This is where communication from across the province is gathered, filtered, and acted upon to drive positive change in student transportation.
Our Team
Lisa Weder
President
David Shaw
Past President
Shantelle Haitel
Vice President
Billy Loiselle
Treasurer
Taylor Neufeld
Executive Director
Mike Cahoon
Zone 1 Director
Sandra Popovich
Zone 2 Director
Michelle Loxton
Zone 3 Director
Chrysti Mannix
Zone 4 Director
Merlin Lee
Zone 5 Director
Brenda Gibson
Zone 6 Director
Ted Gobin
D250 Representative
Rhett Czaban
Interim Operation Lifesaver RepresentativeSchool Divisions Associated
with the STAA
A few words from our members
As a member of the Student Transportation Association of Alberta, I’m part of a network of dedicated individuals that puts student safety first. Access to best practices, survey results on topics like bus contract pay, inclement weather thresholds, and fly-bys not only support my budget planning but helps me address safety concerns with factual information from around the province. The collective expertise in this group has saved me countless hours, and it’s reassuring to have such a trusted resource at my fingertips.
Being part of the Student Transportation Association of Alberta (STAA) has been and continues to be an instrumental part of my career. Surrounded by members who are experts in the field—each of us guided and mandated by the same government entities, rules, regulations and shared commitment to student safety—I’ve built a strong network of colleagues and friends who are always willing to collaborate and support one another. STAA provides a platform where every voice is heard and respected, while also advocating for what’s best for student transportation across Alberta. I’m truly honored and grateful to be part of an association that is passionate, caring, and dedicated to making a difference in the safe and efficient transportation of students every day.
I write this from the perspective of someone that is brand new into the position of Director of Transportation (now 9 months into the role). Having the opportunity to network and converse with other STAA members at meetings, online, and over the phone has benefitted me (and indirectly) my school division as I am able to pull from many years of experience and knowledge from others who have been in this role for several years. I appreciate the patience, professionalism, and expertise of the membership. I have also appreciated the quick response from the STAA executive team when a question arises that requires their thoughts and ideas. Definitely well worth being a part of.
