D. Leeds Pickering formally announced he is stepping aside from his position as state director of student transportation for the Wyoming Department of Education after a 28-year career. His retirement is effective Aug. 13.

Pickering, who for the past year has privately indicated to several peers and associates that he would be resigning, also began notifying industry representatives of his impending retirement during the recent STN EXPO in Reno, Nev., where he has been a mainstay since the show's inception and prior when it was known as the Western State Director's Conference. In all Pickering spent 37 years in pupil transportation.

"It has been my pleasure to serve as the Wyoming State Director of Pupil Transportation Services for the past 28 years. Over that time, I have seen some major changes in the way school bus transportation is provided – equipment improvements, policy improvements, CDL, Drug and Alcohol Testing to name a few," said Pickering in a statement. "I went from the youngest state director at the 1982 NASDPTS meeting in Portland to the longest-serving state director now. I had the privilege to serve with some of the legends in our field ... I have learned a great deal from everyone I came in contact with."

Pickering also resigned his position as vice-chairman of the NCST steering committee. He served a total of 10 years on the steering committees for the 14^th and 15^th NCST.

"I feel that the 15^th NCST steering accomplished some major changes to bring the process into the 21^st century," he added.

David Koskelowski was named Pickering's replacement, currently the program manager of pupil transportation and traffic safety. Koskelowski accompanied Pickering at the NASDPTS annual conference and NAPT Summit last year in Louisville, Ky., and has been transitioning into the lead student transportation role in Wyoming and into NASPDTS.

Meanwhile, Pickering's retirement is the most recent turnover at the state level. Last month, Pete Baxter retired from the Indiana Department of Education after a 34-year career there. Since, Baxter became the corporate director of business relations at Synovia.

Also this summer, Gilbert Perea retired from the New Mexico Department of Education after 26 years. Carlos Santiago was named his replacement.