PDS 304: Best Practices When Collecting, Analyzing and Using Data
PDS 304 “Best Practices When Collecting, Analyzing, and Using Data” offered attendees an intensive four-hour session on effective data management and decision-making. The course, led by industry experts Robert Feinberg (Director of Transportation, Deer Creek School District (OK) and president-elect of the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation) and Robyn Stephenson (Manager of Transportation Operations, Kootenay-Columbia School District No. 20 (BC) emphasized the strategic role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Business Intelligence (BI) in driving improvements within school transportation departments.
Feinberg highlighted the foundational value of developing meaningful KPIs, explaining “business intelligence is usually a technology-driven process for analyzing data, presenting actionable information to help executives, managers, and other end-users make the most informed decision.” Feinberg said that KPIs enable departments to provide actionable insights and track performance consistently, helping professionals better respond to common questions, such as, “How are we doing compared to last year?” or “How do we measure up against other districts?”
Echoing the wisdom of management expert Peter Drucker, Stephenson said that “What gets measured gets done,” noting that data empowers transportation departments to meet goals, address challenges, and allocate resources responsibly. She said providing accurate data-driven answers is crucial, encouraging participants to say, “I don’t know, let me go find out,” if they are unsure of a statistic, rather than risking an incorrect response.
Feinberg said districts must consider both “leading and lagging indicators” in their data to gain a comprehensive view of their performance and future needs.
PDS 802 – Positioning, Seating & Securing of Students with Disabilities & Special Needs
PDS 802 provided essential training on safely transporting students with special needs. This four-hour session, led by Susan Shutrump (Retired Supervisor OT and PT Services, Susan Shutrump Consulting, LLC (OH)) and Peggy Stone, CDPT, CSNT (Director of Transportation, Lincoln County Schools (WV)), evaluated the proper seating and restraint methods to ensure safe bus travel for these students. Shutrump said “you want to have whatever you need to safely transport a child at the ready before you take the child the first time.”
Participants learned to identify when specialized restraints are necessary and how to implement best practices that align with federal, state, and local regulations. Shutrump warned against relying on aftermarket products like buckle guards, which can compromise safety because “you don’t know if it’s going to perform as well as it’s been designed in a crash.” Proper fit is crucial, with guidelines specifying that restraints should cover at least 80 percent of the bus seat’s footprint to ensure stability.
The course also covered procedures for working within the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to make decisions. Stone said that consistent case review by qualified personnel is essential, helping participants navigate the balance between student needs and transport feasibility.
This course provided guidance on selecting durable, regulation-compliant equipment and emphasizes the importance of ongoing maintenance and inspection to prevent equipment failures. Shutrump said that “all child safety restraint systems must be in good working condition and unexpired” to maintain safety standards.