Maine Budget to include Enhanced School Bus Safety Measures

After two fatal crashes, Governor Mills has announced plans to enhance school bus safety.

Two Maine Students Died in School Bus Crashes in 2025

Maine communities have experienced growing concern over the security of students on buses after two children died in 2025.

In November, 12-year-old Brayden Callahan, of Rockland, was run over as he crossed the street in a crosswalk, located right in front of the bus.

The driver, Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, is now charged with manslaughter.

A few weeks later, in December, 5-year-old Simon Gonzalez was killed in a crash in Standish. The NTSB determined that Gonzalez was the last to try and board the bus.

When he reached the passenger loading doors, the bus doors began to close, so he extended his left arm into the bus, causing him to become pinned between the closing doors.

The bus then began to drive south on Route 35, dragging the boy about 280 feet before he became dislodged, fell to the roadway, and was run over the bus.

Maine Governor to Include School Bus Safety Measures in 2026 Supplemental Budget

Governor Janet Mills announced on Tuesday that she will propose approximatey $4.3 million for enhanced safety measures on Maine School buses in her supplemental budget.

The safety measures funded in the budget would include retrofitting Maine School buses with crossing arms and anti-pinch door sensors.

Maine to Eastablish a School Transportation Safety Commission for Buses

Mills has also signed an executive order to establish the Maine School Transportation Safety Commission, a body to review statutes and rules regarding school bus safety an identify improvement to school transportation rules to ensure the safety and well-being of school students, staff, and drivers.

Appointed to the commission will be representatives of the Maine Department of Education, Departmen of Public Safety, Department of Transporation, Maine School Safety Center, local school districts, and others.

Governor Mills plans to release her full supplemental budget in the coming weeks.