Saturday, July 11

Location: Naples 6 & 7

Speaker: Zachary Moren

Description: Technicians learn how to use Servicefinder to improve shop organization and reduce reliance on paper or manual processes. Learn how technology supports better planning, communication, and consistency in daily shop operations. Continental breakfast is included for session attendees.

Note: Open to all main conference attendees and an INCLUDED session for Inspection Training attendees before traveling to hands-on training off-site. Breakfast is offered to all class participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Location: Begin the day at the “Integrating Technology Continental Breakfast”. Leaving together at 9 a.m. to Washoe County School District in the Peppermill Lobby

Instructors: Derek Bryant, ASE; Alan Fidler, MSD of Lawrence Township; Jannet Malig, Long Beach (California) Clean Cities; Lawson Mollica, Long Beach (California) Clean Cities; Harley Pinson, Paulding County School District, & Brian Reu

Description: Developed by school bus maintenance and inspection expert Marshall Casey, STN EXPO offers the National School Bus Inspection Training Program to fully train technicians on how to conduct regular vehicle inspections, above and beyond state or federal Department of Transportation guidance. Day two features hands- on identification of defects on real school buses and overviews of ASE’s new high-voltage accreditation program for school bus technicians and electric school bus components. Transportation and lunch will be provided.

Description: IDEA was passed in 1975 making schools national leaders in providing equal services for the disabled community. However, today, over 40 years after its passage, school transportation providers are still consistently struggling to safely transport some students with disabilities and to secure the most difficult mobility devices. While wheelchair securement equipment has improved dramatically during this timeframe, even today there are hundreds of wheelchairs on the market which are not designed to be transported.

In this presentation we’ll explore the factors that have contributed to this dynamic, provide extensive troubleshooting practices for difficult mobility devices and occupant securement situations, and offer recommendations- based on our more than 35 years of industry experience- that can help school districts and transportation providers greatly reduce the risk these devices pose to the safety of their students and the liability of the district.

Note: This an advanced course designed for experienced transportation directors, supervisors, and trainers who can help implement the troubleshooting techniques and best practice recommendations within their district. It is strongly recommended that attendees have extensive previous wheelchair securement experience.

(Maximum of 35 participants. Separate registration is required.)

Presenters: Pam McDonald, Tim Purvis, Alexandra Robinson, & Rosalynn Vann-Jackson

Description: A panel of student transportation experts provides best practices for attendees who wish to transition into a supervisory role, or who are looking to brush up on skill sets. Topics include: How to provide the best customer service while managing parent and administration expectations; creating, building and molding teams; communication strategies to increase driver and attendant retention and productivity; principles of proper routing and planning; and managing and tracking data to improve your organization.

(Maximum of 100 participants. Separate registration required.)