Monday, July 15

Description: This dignified award, in its 17th year, recognizes a school transportation professional who exhibits exemplary service on behalf of the nation’s school children, especially those with disabilities. Named after the late Chicago Public Schools transportation director and NAPT board member.

Moderator: Ryan Hahn

Panelists: Kerry Duskin & Tony Lavezzo

Description: School districts can greatly differ in how they set budgets for transportation and the information they share. Case in point: Employee wages can be the biggest budget item, operationally at least, but it is often managed by another department within the district. So how do fleets calculate the true cost of transportation? Join a discussion on the importance of transportation departments proactively offering solutions to district administrations when it comes to solving budget issues, from onboarding and training to fleet operations to contracted services. How can transportation redistribute funds or influence that redistribution to better align with their vision of running the department?

Moderator: Jim Nestico

Panelists: Craig Beaver, Anthony Shields & Marlon Watson

Description: Positive organizational culture can be everything when it comes to not only attracting and retaining talent but also leading the team to new heights. Transportation directors share the challenges the have embraced in their departments and how they flipped the script.

Speaker: Bret Brooks

Description: During emergency situations, it is important for someone to take charge and lead all those involved to a safe resolution. In certain circumstances, school bus drivers may be required to have “Incident Command.” This presentation will explain the Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) and how they related to pupil transportation during times of crisis. Transportation departments must understand their roles in incidents such as traffic crashes or mass community evacuations. Attendees will be provided with tips, tricks and

Description: The Top Transportation Teams Award Program shines a spotlight on the best transportation departments and bus contractors in North America based on anonymous surveys taken by team members. For more info go to https://toptransportationteams.com/

Lunch is provided on a first come, first serve basis.

Moderator: Denny Coughlin

Panelists: Albert Burleigh, Blue Bird; Jim Crowcroft, Thomas Built Buses; Francisco Lagunas, Cummins; Brendan Riley, GreenPower; & Katie Stok, IC Bus

Description: School bus and engine OEMs discuss the technology available today and in development to meet the new EPA GHG Phase 3 rule that starts to take effect to further reduce emissions starting in 2027. Could it be impacted by the upcoming presidential election? Receive the latest information on what fuels will be and won’t be available to your operation in the coming years amid the push toward zero emissions.

Moderator: Tony Corpin

Panelists: John Barrington at IMMI, Clint Bryer with Safety Vision, Vivek Garg with Zum, & Tim Gordon with Blue Bird

Description: A look at modern safety technology and trends that are being used by school transportation operations with representatives from IMMI, Safety Vision, and Zūm

Moderator: Greg Jackson

Panelists: Robert Jacobus, Robert Leach, Megan McAndrews, & Anthony Shields

Description: From rising numbers of students experiencing homelessness to students with disabilities, consolidating routes to bell time changes, student transporters face immense pressures with routing school buses as well as other vehicles they need to use for transportation. This panel looks at today’s issues and discusses the mindset shifts necessary to come out on top.

Moderator: Alex Robinson

Panelists: Chad Duncan, Taylor Moore, Tim Purvis & Jennifer Vobis

Description: From planning through pilots and RFI processes to getting a bid on the street, this panel discussion will give the audience takeaways for successful purchasing, procurement and implementation. Join this spirited chat on what happens, and/or should happen before and after an often expensive purchase.

Speaker: Vishant Kothari

Description: The serviceable life of electric batteries for school buses depends on many variables. For about the first eight years of service, batteries are mainly impacted by the local weather, the routes they run, the types of chargers they connect to, etc. At about the eight to ten-year mark, once the batteries reach end of useful life in the vehicle, they typically could have about 70-80% of its original capacity intact. How can we ensure these batteries are fully used, like in a second life application? Could they be refurbished to extend life? Could they contribute to a school district or company microgrid? Can they be recycled? Learn the answer to these questions and more from WRI’s senior manager of school bus electrification and battery circularity.

Speaker: Bret Brooks

Description: Join us for a Casino Royale Night that will infuse sophistication, glamour, and intrigue. Dress to impress! An unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the legendary 007 himself.

*Get your James Bond Vibe on with sleek black-tie attire, tuxedos, and elegant gowns for our Casino Royale-inspired reception.