The articles in this issue highlight many of the educational sessions, networking events, and experiences waiting for you in Louisville. For the most up-to-date conference schedule, session descriptions, presenters, and registration details, visit the online conference program.
Why I’m Heading to Louisville
Director of Transportation
Englewood Schools (CO)
Attending this conference will provide a valuable opportunity to connect with industry peers, participate in specialized professional development sessions, and bring back key insights to enhance our current operations. Specifically, I am looking forward to gaining my FIRST professional certificate in special needs transportation (CSNT). This will be my first NAPT conference and I already have a goal to achieve my certified PDS courses. I cannot wait to attend.
Director of Transportation
West Aurora School District 129 (IL)
Attending NAPT ACTS gives those charged with providing superior pupil transportation an opportunity to learn from cutting edge industry leaders whether that be peer to peer, trade show participants, or through congressional updates. Personally, I am looking forward to continuing pursuit of my CDPT, & CSNT certifications through the many PD classes available during ACTS.
Facilities Coordinator
Shrewsbury Public Schools (MA)
I have heard lots of amazing things from my colleagues in Massachusetts about NAPT ACTS. I’m very excited that I will be attending it for the 1st time this year for the first time. Look forward to learning and collaborating with many colleagues all over this country.
Workshop Session Highlights
The Leadership Shift: Retaining Talent in a Changing Transportation Workforce
The transportation workforce is undergoing significant change, and our leadership approaches must adapt accordingly. This breakout session will explore the transition from transactional to relational leadership and how this shift positively impacts staff retention. Participants will examine how principles such as trust, transparency, and a focus on professional development foster environments that encourage employees to remain engaged and committed.
Workshop Presenter(s):
- Jill Metcalfe, Ed.D., Distant Learning Chair, Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TX)
- Anthony Shields, Director of Transportation, Pearland ISD (TX)
- Scheduled for: Monday, October 5, 1:15 p.m.
Special Needs Roundtable: Ask the Experts
Join members of NAPT’s Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAC) for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on the real-world challenges and opportunities facing special needs transportation professionals today. This participant-driven session provides attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, explore best practices, and learn from colleagues and industry experts who work daily to support students with diverse transportation needs.
Whether you are new to special needs transportation or a seasoned leader, you’ll leave with practical insights, new perspectives, and valuable connections from professionals across North America.
Workshop Presenter(s): NAPT Special Needs Advisory Committee (SNAC)
Scheduled for: Tuesday, October 6, 3:30 p.m.
Maintenance Masterclass: Beyond the Inspection
What separates a fleet that simply passes inspections from one that consistently operates at the highest level of safety and reliability? Join two veteran state school bus inspectors and a nationally recognized transportation leader for an in-depth look at the maintenance practices that drive long-term success.
Workshop Presenter(s):
• Jacob Landis, Highway Patrol Lieutenant, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OH)
• Chris Kath, School Bus Safety Coordinator, Indiana State Police (IN)
• Maurine Simons, Director of Transportation, North Mason School District (WA)
Scheduled for: Saturday, October 3, 3:00 p.m.
Speaker Highlight
Halsey King, Bus Fleet Maintenance Consultant
Bus Fires: Stop Them Before They Start
This is a must-attend session for transportation professionals focused on one of the industry’s most critical safety concerns. Presented by veteran fleet maintenance consultant Halsey King, the session builds on the expertise he has shared through NAPT’s popular Maintenance Forum webinars and his exclusive School BUSRide interview on fleet maintenance and electric vehicle readiness. Drawing on decades of experience working with school districts, manufacturers, state DOTs, the FTA, and fleets worldwide, King will provide practical strategies for preventing vehicle fires through proactive maintenance, technician training, facility preparedness, and sound operational practices—helping attendees reduce risk before an emergency ever occurs.
LEADERSHIP IS A JOURNEY
Whether you’re leading your first transportation department or preparing for what’s next, ACTS offers dedicated leadership experiences designed exclusively for transportation directors.
The challenges facing today’s transportation leaders are more complex than ever. From staffing shortages and student safety to operational efficiency, technology, and district leadership, success requires more than technical knowledge—it requires confident, strategic leadership.
That’s why NAPT ACTS 2026 features two exclusive director-focused forums designed to support you throughout your career. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or helping shape the future of student transportation, you’ll find practical strategies, meaningful conversations, and a network of peers who understand the challenges you face every day.
New Transportation Directors Institute
Building a Strong Foundation for Leadership
Saturday, October 3 | 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Pre-registration required
Designed for transportation directors with 0–5 years of experience
Starting your journey as a transportation director comes with new responsibilities, new expectations, and new opportunities. This interactive four-hour institute provides emerging leaders with the practical tools, confidence, and professional connections needed to successfully lead a transportation department.
Participants will explore the fundamentals of transportation leadership, including team management, communication, district relationships, crisis response, and operational excellence while building a network of colleagues who are navigating many of the same challenges.
You’ll leave with:
• Leadership strategies you can apply immediately
• Practical tools for managing people and operations
• Confidence to navigate everyday challenges
• A network of fellow new transportation leaders
Annual Transportation Directors Executive Forum
Leading the Future of Student Transportation
Wednesday, October 7 | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Pre-registration required
Facilitated by Christina Farinacci-Roberts, Founder & Chief Catalyst Officer, Head Heart Hands Consulting
Designed for experienced transportation leaders, assistant directors, contractors, state leaders, and industry executives
Leadership doesn’t stop once you’ve mastered the fundamentals. As student transportation continues to evolve, today’s leaders must anticipate change, embrace innovation, and prepare their organizations for the future.
Through executive briefings, facilitated discussion, and strategic roundtable conversations, this highly interactive forum explores workforce development, technology, operational innovation, and leadership strategies that strengthen transportation organizations for years to come.
You’ll leave with:
• Fresh perspectives from leaders across North America
• Innovative ideas to strengthen your organization
• Executive-level networking and collaboration
• Strategies to prepare your team for the future
Nationally Recognized Professional Development: PDS Offerings at ACTS
Professional Growth Doesn’t Begin or End with One Conference
It Continues Throughout Your Career
Don’t Just Attend ACTS. Advance Your Profession.
Add a PDS Course to Your Registration.
• PDS 304: Best Practices When Collecting, Analyzing and Using Data
• PDS 701: Introduction to Leadership & Management
• PDS 802: Positioning, Seating & Securing of Students with Disabilities & Special Needs
• PDS 604: Prioritizing & Evaluating Operational Safety
• PDS 805: Supporting Safe Behavior on the School Bus for Students with Disabilities & Special Needs
• PDS 806: Transportation Leadership Proficiencies for Serving Children with Disabilities
• PDS 902: Crisis Communication
• PDS 804: Products, Services & Equipment Options for Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs
• PDS 205: Managing the Media
• PDS 506: Transportation Facility Planning
• PDS 704: Strategic Planning for Transportation Departments
• PDS 803: Specialized Equipment on the School Bus
Choose Your ACTS Experience
Route 1: Full Conference
Whether you’re attending for professional development, networking, recertification, or to explore the latest innovations in student transportation, there’s an ACTS registration route designed with your goals in mind.
The complete ACTS experience.
Perfect for:
• Transportation directors
• Supervisors
• Trainers
• Dispatchers
• Mechanics
• State leaders
• Business partners
Includes:
- Five days of education
- General Sessions
- National Transportation Briefing
- Trade Show
- Networking events
- Awards & Keynote
- Regional Assemblies
- Park the Bus & Party
Best for: Attendees looking for the full educational and networking experience.
Route 2: Full Conference + Recertification
Earn your recertification in one place.
Ideal for:
• CDPT, CPTS, CSNT, CSPT credential holders with a certification that is about to or recently expired
Includes everything in Full Conference PLUS:
- Dedicated Recertification Capstone Workshops
- Developed by NAPT’s Professional Growth Committee and Special Needs Advisory Committee
- Complete your credential requirements while attending ACTS
Best for: Professionals who want to maximize their conference investment by combining professional development with recertification.
Route 3: Two-Day Conference Pass
A focused ACTS experience for busy professionals.
Designed for those who can’t attend the full week.
Includes:
- Saturday & Sunday educational programming
- First-Time Attendee & New Member Breakfast
- National Transportation Briefing
- Awards Ceremony & Ice Cream Social
- Kenny Aronoff Keynote
- Reception with Exhibitors
- Monday morning workshops
- Trade Show & Lunch
- Regional Assemblies
- Road Rules: Regional Trivia Showdown
Best for: Professionals seeking high-impact learning and networking in a condensed schedule.
Route 4: Trade Show Only
Explore the latest products, technology, and services.
Perfect for:
• District purchasing teams
• Fleet managers
• Decision-makers
• Professionals focused on vendor solutions
Includes:
- Access to the ACTS Trade Show
- Meet leading business partners
- Discover new products and innovations
- Connect with solution providers
Best for: Those looking to evaluate products, compare solutions, and build industry connections.
Complete Your NAPT Recertification at ACTS
with the NEW Complete Your Recertification at ACTS
One Conference. One Route. One More Milestone in Your Professional Journey.
For the first time, NAPT ACTS offers attendees the opportunity to complete their credential recertification during the conference through a dedicated Full Conference + Recertification registration path.
Developed by NAPT’s Professional Growth Committee and Special Needs Advisory Committee, these new capstone workshops bring credential holders together to complete the final step of their recertification while participating in the nation’s premier student transportation conference.
Instead of traveling to multiple events or searching for qualifying opportunities throughout the year, attendees can earn professional development, collaborate with peers, and complete their recertification—all in one place.
Timeline
Before ACTS
- Register for the Full Conference + Recertification path.
During ACTS
- Attend conference education and networking opportunities (every workshop or Professional Development Series course goes towards your recertification!).
Tuesday, October 6
- Complete your credential-specific capstone workshop.
After ACTS
- Return home with renewed certification, new knowledge, and a stronger professional network.
Meet the Rock Star Behind Our Keynote Session
Kenny Aronoff
Keynote Presentation: Achieving Rock Star Status in Your Profession with Kenny Aronoff
What attendees will learn: Join legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has performed with icons like Elton John, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp, for a high-energy keynote on leadership, teamwork, and performing at your best. Drawing from a career spanning 350M+ records sold, Kenny delivers powerful insights on resilience, adaptability, and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Why ACTS Matters
As Molly shares in this issue, we gather because the work of student transportation matters. Every day, professionals across North America are entrusted with safely transporting millions of students, and that shared responsibility is what brings us together.
NAPT ACTS is where that purpose becomes action. It’s where transportation leaders, supervisors, trainers, dispatchers, maintenance professionals, business partners, and state leaders come together to exchange ideas, strengthen their leadership, discover innovative solutions, and build relationships that extend far beyond the conference.
Whether you’re looking to solve today’s challenges, prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities, complete your professional recertification, or simply reconnect with colleagues who understand the importance of your work, you’ll find it at NAPT ACTS.
Join us this October in Louisville and experience why we gather—and how, together, we’re Building Leaders for the Route Ahead.