Agenda
Monday, March 30
As of 2/19/26. Subject to Change.
Opening Welcome
8:00 a.m – 8:15 a.m.
Opening Welcome
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Description: Join us for exciting giveaways and essential information to kick off your day!
Bus Technology Summit Labs
8:15 a.m – 9:00 a.m.
BTS Lab & Demo with AlphaRoute: Funding Uncertainty Is Rewriting the Rules
Why Old-School Routing Strategies Are Failing and Why AI Is the Fix
Location: Carolina Ballroom
Speakers: John Hanlon & Chris Parker
Presented by
BTS Lab & Demo with CalAmp: Turning Data Into Daily Operations
Location: Fairway Ballroom
Speakers: Rodney Hardy, Jeff Lanier, Thomas Polan, Shane Searchwell, & Tom Walmer
Description: Our session will provide operational insight into how districts and contractors deploy and use CalAmp Student Ridership, Here Comes the Bus Parent App, and Driver Time and Attendance. CalAmp will focus on implementation, change management, measurable outcomes, and lessons learned. Panel members include Mt. Airy City School District, North Carolina Director of Transportation Rodney Hardy, Palm Beach County School District, Florida Director of Transportation Services Shane Searchwell, and Houston County School District, Georgia Director or Transportation Services Tom Walmer.
Presented by
BTS Lab & Demo with Edulog
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Presented by
Bus Technology Summit Labs
9:15 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
BTS Lab & Demo with Verra Mobility: Next‑Generation School Bus Safety: Advancing Stop‑Arm Enforcement Through AI, Automation & Real‑World Insights
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Speakers: Eric Prisco & Matt Reich
Description: This session explores how next‑generation stop‑arm enforcement technologies are reshaping school bus safety in today’s transportation environments. Attendees will learn about national trends, common enforcement challenges, and the latest advancements in detection, evidence capture, and workflow efficiency that matter most. Through interactive activities and group discussions, participants will learn practical strategies and insights to strengthen safety across their school transportation systems.
Presented by
BTS Lab & Demo with Samsara: The Connected Fleet Advantage for Student Transportation
Location: Carolina Ballroom
Speaker: Alex Davison
Description: Samsara provides schools real-time data for smarter, safer and more efficient transportation for their students. In this session, you will learn how to use Samsara’s connected platform to ensure student safety and leverage connected data to improve preventative maintenance.
Presented by
BTS Lab & Demo with BusRight: How BusRight Supports Safer, More Predictable School Transportation
Location: Fairway Ballroom
Description: Imagine a day where route changes, driver substitute calls, and parent notifications are effortless. BusRight’s all-in-one software makes this possible through real-time GPS tracking for coordination visibility, tablet-based turn-by-turn driver navigation for optimized routes, and a #1 mobile app to keep parents connected. The result: smoother days, fewer disruptions, and improved student safety. You’ve built a strong operation. Learn how BusRight can streamline it so your efforts go even further.
Presented by
Keynote
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Keynote: Culture That Rocks: Set List on How to Amp Up the Company’s Culture (to Eleven) and Deliver Sustainable Results
Keynote: Jim Knight
Description: This high-energy, impactful and interactive keynote presentation focuses on individuals, departments and entire companies who are charged with creating, maintaining, or revolutionizing an organization’s culture, ensuring it stays relevant in the 21st century. The session delves into every area of a company’s environment and reveals realistic solutions for systemic change.
Keynote speaker and best-selling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll and several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International—via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Global Training & Development—to discuss key strategies to transform any organization’s culture, regardless of the company’s cultural history or status.
Presented by
Lunch & Learn
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn with Transfinder: Using Transfinder’s All-in-One Platform to Power Day-to-Day Operations
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Speaker: Shea Marstaller
Description: Learn how Transfinder’s all-in-one platform supports day-to-day operations to improve communication, efficiency, and data accuracy in school bus operations. Participants gain an understanding of how Transfinder’s unique technology connects drivers, technicians, and transportation staff through a single, integrated system.
Presented by
Green Bus Summit
1:15 p.m – 2:00 p.m.
Green Bus Summit: Panel Discussion with Thomas Built Buses
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Presented by
Breakout Sessions
1:15 p.m – 2:15 p.m.
Strategies to Remove Danger from the Loading & Unloading Zone
Location: Fairway Ballroom
Facilitator: Derek Graham
Panelists: Keba Baldwin & Kris Hafezizadeh
Description: Discover practical strategies to reduce risk in and around school bus stops by balancing the conversation between illegal passing and the “Danger Zone,” where students load and unload. Veteran leaders from Austin ISD and Prince George’s County will share real-world lessons on automated stop-arm enforcement, driver training, student education, and parent communication policies. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas to refine stop placement, strengthen procedures, and leverage technology without letting vendors drive the agenda. You’ll gain actionable approaches to apply national loading/unloading data to your own district and improve safety before, during, and after each stop.
Fleet Replacement Strategies
Location: Carolina Ballroom
Facilitator: Derel Bryant
Panelists: Mike Bullman
Description: Managing fleet replacement is one of the most complex and high-impact responsibilities in school transportation. This session will examine practical and sustainable strategies for replacing and modernizing school bus fleets while balancing safety, reliability, funding constraints, and long-term planning.
Panelists will discuss data-driven decision-making, lifecycle management, maintenance considerations, and the impact of evolving technologies and regulations. The conversation will also address funding models, grant opportunities, and how to communicate fleet needs effectively to district leadership and governing bodies.
Attendees will gain actionable insights into developing a strategic fleet replacement plan that supports operational efficiency, improves safety, and ensures continuity of service for students and communities.
Breakout Sessions
2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m.
Proper & Timely Review of Video Recorded Incidents
Location: Kannapolis Ballroom
Facilitator: Launi Harden
Panelists: Bernando Brown & Teena Mitchell
Description: School bus cameras capture critical evidence of what happens in and around the bus—but without clear policies and practices, districts can be exposed to significant legal and safety risks. This session brings together transportation leaders to explore how to manage video effectively: from retention timelines and chain of custody to collaboration with school police, risk management, and contracted providers. Panelists will share practical, district-tested approaches for handling sensitive incidents (bullying, special needs, sexual misconduct, accidents) while honoring FERPA and IEP requirements. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to strengthen policy, communication, and accountability around video use.
School Bus Driver Storytellers
Location: Carolina Ballroom
Facilitator: Taylor Ekbatani
Panelists: Valerie Higley & Monique Jackson
Description: Two school bus professionals-turned-authors share how their children’s books are transforming student management and safety on and around the yellow bus. Attendees will explore practical ways to use storytelling, SEL, and trauma-informed approaches to unify safety language among drivers, students, teachers, and families. Participants will leave with concrete ideas for incorporating books into driver and aide training, classroom lessons, and parent communication to better front-load expectations and empower students to be advocates for their own safety.
Trade Show
3:30 p.m – 8:30 p.m.
Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception
Location: Concord Ballroom
Description: Rev up your engines for an exhilarating evening at our Tradeshow + Networking Pit Stop Reception, where the thrill of NASCAR meets the excitement of connection! Join us on March 30 for a high-octane experience as industry leaders and innovators gather to share insights and forge meaningful partnerships. With engaging exhibits and dynamic networking opportunities on the tradeshow floor, this is your chance to swap ideas and strategies while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and competition. So don your favorite racing gear, grab a pit pass, and prepare for a night filled with collaboration, inspiration, and a lively atmosphere that will leave you racing toward new opportunities in the school transportation industry. Don’t miss out on the chance to fuel your professional journey at STN EXPO!