Welcome to our recap of the NAPT ACTS conference — a dynamic five-day gathering of the brightest minds in student transportation, held at the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. For the NAPT members and business partners in attendance, this was a full immersive experience in innovation, leadership and community. The event brought together transportation directors, supervisors, technicians, state affiliates and business partners from across the country, all focused on one core mission: safe, efficient, and progressive student transportation.
From powerful general sessions and myriad professional-development tracks to a bustling trade-show floor showcasing the latest fleet technologies, NAPT ACTS 25 offered something for every segment of the field. The association packed the schedule with more than a dozen Professional Development Series (PDS) courses, 20 + workshops, and networking events designed to connect delegates with peers and vendors alike.
In the pages to follow, we’ll take you day-by-day through the conference, from the opening reception and trade-show launch to state-affiliate competition highlights, award ceremonies and the keynote.
Note: This NAPT ACTS recap emphasizes certain aspects of NAPT ACTS while not presenting the entire range of workshops and PDS offerings.
November 1:
NAPT QuikConnect Marketplace
At this year’s conference, the Inaugural QuikConnect Marketplace provided a lively and welcoming hub for student transportation professionals network with business partners during pre-scheduled appointments. The appointments allowed opportunities to for attendees and exhibitors alike to build relationships early with key contacts before the trade show begun.
Brought to life by the participating companies of the QuikConnect Marketplace, the QuickConnect Café was more than just a refreshment stop: it acted as gathering where peers and suppliers engaged in meaningful conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. Representatives from AngelTrax, Blue Bird Corporation, BusPlanner, Collins Bus Corporation, EverDriven, First Student, IC Bus, O2 Cool Manufacturing LLC, Transfinder, and Transit Technologies joined the marketplace-style café, underscoring the industry’s commitment to collaboration and connection.
The QuikConnect Marketplace set the tone for an inclusive, peer-centered experience at NAPT ACTS 25. By providing this private networking space backed by industry sponsors, the organizers reaffirmed that networking and informal interaction are essential elements of the conference, and not just the formal workshops and trade-show exhibits.
Alex Robinson being sworn into the NAPT Hall of Fame with sponsoring organization Zum and NAPT leadership.
Hall of Fame Ceremony
The Hall of Fame ceremony stood out as a deeply moving highlight, honoring Alexandra Robinson, M.Ed., CDPT, as the sole 2025 inductee. Her induction represents the highest honor NAPT can bestow, reserved for individuals of exceptional integrity, influence, and long-term commitment to the student transportation profession.
Alex Robinson’s selection reflects her extraordinary career and her tireless advocacy for her peers and the Association. Over more than three decades, she rose through roles ranging from crisis intervention specialist to executive director of New York City’s Office of Pupil Transportation — making her the longest-serving leader in that role. Her journey also includes leadership in Florida and California, and since 2020, international consulting in regions such as Dubai, Saudi Arabia, India, and China.
In an interview with School BUSRide, Robinson expressed deep humility, noting her admiration for past Hall of Fame inductees like Linda Bluth, Don Carnahan, Ed Donn, and Bill Paul. She reflected on the unglamorous but essential hours of volunteer leadership, calling her induction “incredible” and crediting the recognition to years of service that many do not necessarily see.
Robinson also recalled her proudest NAPT achievements: co-founding the LED (Leading Every Day) leadership program, which fosters mentor-mentee growth and real-world problem solving; strengthening NAPT’s professional development courses to make them more practical; and launching the global initiative, which connects transportation leaders across continents. She also highlighted her work founding Women in Transportation (wit.), a network to mentor and support women in this field.
Looking ahead, she challenges NAPT members to address key industry issues, especially how to elevate the value of transportation careers, deepen succession planning, and expand NAPT’s voice in advocacy.
She reminds newer professionals to “step outside your comfort zone,” lean into diversity of thought, and remember the fundamental mission: “None of us entered school transportation for the money. We do it because it’s the right thing for kids.”
The ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of Robinson’s leadership, vision, and enduring impact, and a reminder that the Hall of Fame honors not just individual success, but those who lift others and advance the profession.
General Session: State of the Industry
The State of the Industry session at NAPT ACTS provided a comprehensive look at how student transportation underpins the full educational experience, especially for vulnerable students. After national-association updates from Curt Macysyn, Executive Director of NSTA, and Ronna Weber, Executive Director of NASDPTS, the conversation turned to one of the most critical challenges facing districts today: transportation support under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Leading the discussion were district transportation leaders who shared real-world experiences and strategies for managing the complex needs of students who are homeless, in foster care, or otherwise in unstable living situations. Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, MBA, CDPT (Broken Arrow Public Schools, OK), Keith Kaup, CDPT (Pearland ISD, TX), Dawnett Wright (Peninsula School District, WA), and Karim Johnson, CDPT, CSNT (Dorchester School District Four, SC), dove into how their districts honor McKinney-Vento compliance and maintain educational stability for these students.
Vann-Jackson and Kaup emphasized that compliance under McKinney-Vento means lifting barriers that could prevent attendance—even when federal funding falls short.
Panelists described creative transportation solutions that go beyond yellow-school-bus routes: using vans, SUVs, or mileage reimbursement; coordinating with other districts; or contracting with third-party providers. They stressed that even when outsourcing, districts must ensure rigorous safety standards, including background checks, vehicle inspections, insurance, and driver training.
The panelists also tackled the financial complexity of McKinney-Vento work. Though the federal law doesn’t always come with full funding, some states offer grants or targeted resources to help districts shoulder the cost. They discussed how to navigate contracts with providers responsibly, ensuring accountability while providing desperately needed flexibility for students.
Attendees came away with practical strategies: how to build trauma-informed driver training, how to structure contracts with vendors, and how to monitor service quality. The session underscored that safe, reliable transportation is a moral imperative to support student stability, school attendance, and educational opportunity.
Ride & Drive Lunch N’ Learn with Blue Bird
The Ride & Drive Lunch N’ Learn with Blue Bird was a high-energy highlight of NAPT ACTS 25, giving attendees a hands-on look at Blue Bird’s latest vehicle innovations. Pre-registered participants enjoyed a provided lunch and headed out for an immersive ride-and-drive experience, where Blue Bird’s team walked through new features, performance capabilities, and safety enhancements. The limited-capacity format allowed for direct interaction with product experts and ample time behind the wheel, making it both educational and engaging. Attendees left with practical insights into vehicle operation, emerging technologies, and how Blue Bird’s solutions can support their districts’ evolving transportation needs.
Keynote Presentation: FearLESS Inside with Darryl Bellamy
Darryl Bellamy, founder, author, and “fear researcher” behind FearLESS Inside, delivered a deeply resonant keynote that challenged attendees to rethink their relationship with fear. In an era defined by rapid technological change, shifting organizational dynamics, and evolving social norms, Bellamy reminded the audience that fear isn’t something to be eradicated but understood, leaned into, and leveraged as a catalyst for growth.
Drawing on a vast personal archive of more than 60,000 written fears submitted by people across five generations globally, Bellamy revealed that many anxieties are universal. Though these worries come from different backgrounds and life stages, they often echo common themes: fear of judgment, uncertainty, failure, and loss. By bringing these fears into the open, he illustrated how fear signals where we care deeply, and where growth is possible.
Bellamy guided the NAPT audience through a series of interactive exercises designed to illuminate how each person experiences fear.
He emphasized a simple but transformative mindset shift: “fear less,” not “be fearless.” Rather than trying to eliminate fear, his goal is to teach participants to acknowledge it, trace its root, and then act despite it. According to Bellamy, inaction is far more dangerous than fear itself. In his framework, fear becomes a kind of internal check-engine light. It is a natural response to change, not a signal to stop.
To help people move past their “fear loop” (those moments of stress, dread, or panic), Bellamy offered practical tools. He introduced what he calls “fear intelligence,” a four-step process that involves: tracing your fear (identifying it clearly), embracing it (managing how you respond), acting in spite of it, and granting yourself “grace” when things don’t go perfectly.
As part of the experience, every attendee was invited to privately share a fear in writing. In return, they received a FearLESS Inside bracelet, a tangible symbol of courage and community. The bracelet serves as a reminder that while fear may be unavoidable, it doesn’t have to control us.
Throughout his talk, Bellamy’s energy was infectious. He balanced humor, storytelling, and emotional honesty to create a safe space for self-reflection. His message landed particularly well in an audience of student transportation professionals, who are accustomed to high responsibility, constant change, and a commitment to safety. By the end, many in the room expressed feeling seen, validated, and empowered to lead more courageously.
Sponsored by Transfinder, the keynote was an invitation into the broader FearLESS Inside community. Bellamy’s words reaffirmed that acknowledging fear isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s the first step toward real leadership.
Michelle Summers, CSPT, won the Continuing Education Award, presented by Thomas Built Buses.
Annual Awards Presentation
The Annual Awards Presentation at NAPT ACTS was a heartfelt celebration of excellence, service, and heroism across the student transportation profession. Each year, NAPT recognizes individuals and teams whose contributions elevate safety, professionalism, and leadership within the industry. This year’s honorees embodied those values at the highest level.
The ceremony began with the Continuing Education Award, sponsored by Thomas Built Buses. This award highlights professionals strengthening their expertise through ongoing learning and applying that knowledge to advance their districts. Presenters invited attendees to congratulate Michelle Summers, CSPT, assistant director of transportation at Lamar Consolidated ISD (TX), as the 2025 recipient. Summers was recognized for her commitment to professional development and her work supporting continuous improvement in her department.
Sherri Zulick won the School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award, presented by IC Bus.
Next, the School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award, sponsored by IC Bus, honored excellence in driver training programs. The award went to Sherri Zulick, training coordinator for Maine School Administrative District 6. Zulick was celebrated for developing an exemplary training program and strengthening driver readiness and safety across her district. The award also includes a grant to support ongoing enhancements to training initiatives.
Crystal Foster and Joclyn Johnson won the Heroism Award, sponsored by Blue Bird.
One of the ceremony’s most powerful moments came with the presentation of the Heroism Award, sponsored by Blue Bird. This honor recognizes individuals whose courageous actions directly save lives. The audience rose in applause as bus driver Crystal Foster and bus monitor Jocyln Johnson of Spartanburg District 6 were recognized for their lifesaving response to a house fire, during which they helped rescue children from danger. Their bravery drew an emotional and extended ovation from attendees and presenters alike.
Katherine “KC” Michael, CSPT, CPTS, won the Special Needs Transportation Award, sponsored by Q’STRAINT.
Following this was the Special Needs Transportation Award, sponsored by Q’STRAINT. This award highlights exceptional service in transporting students with disabilities. The 2025 recipient was Katherine “KC” Michael, CSPT, CPTS, Special Needs Route Supervisor at Fayette County Schools (GA). Michael was honored for her dedication to student support, her leadership in specialized transportation operations, and her commitment to high-quality service for students with unique needs.
Stephanie Walker, CDPT, CSPT, CSNT, CPTS, was honored with one of the Distinguished Service awards.
Denny Coughlin (right) won one of the Distinguished Service awards at this year’s conference.
The ceremony concluded with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes exemplary service to NAPT and the profession at state and national levels. This year’s honorees were Stephanie Walker, CDPT, CSPT, CSNT, CPTS, Transportation Coordinator for Habersham County Schools (GA), and Denny Coughlin, owner of School Bus Training Company, LLC. Walker expressed heartfelt appreciation for the recognition, noting how honored she felt among peers she considers friends. Coughlin reflected on his nearly five decades in student transportation, sharing gratitude for the opportunity to teach, mentor, and contribute to the field, and expressing pride in the industry he helped shape.
From lifelong advocates to everyday heroes, each recipient exemplifies the spirit of NAPT and the mission to keep students safe, supported, and thriving.
Washington, D.C. Federal Update
The Washington, D.C., Federal Update at NAPT ACTS delivered a candid, detailed look at the shifting federal landscape and its far-reaching implications for student transportation. Led by Peter Mannella, NAPT’s Public Policy Liaison, with closing insight from Molly McGee Hewitt, PhD, CAE, NAPT CEO and Executive Director, the session emphasized both the challenges ahead and the essential role NAPT plays in navigating them.
Peter opened the session with humor and honesty, acknowledging the weight of federal updates: “You’re going to hear some good news today, and you’re going to hear some bad news. Mostly bad news.”
He highlighted leadership changes within key federal agencies, noting the appointment of Derek Barrs at FMCSA and Jonathan Morrison at NHTSA, the latter already “completely engaged” on school bus safety and illegal passing issues.
From there, the update turned to major federal policy trends with direct consequences for districts. Mannella outlined proposals to consolidate numerous education grant programs into state-controlled block grants, warning that once consolidated, “you start to see a reduction in the funding” over time. He also noted growing concern over federal-level voucher initiatives, which could drive students to a wider array of schools and dramatically increase routing complexity: “The implication for you is more doors to drop kids off at… where are you going to get the drivers and the vehicles to do it?”
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the ongoing federal shutdown and its impact on education staffing, including furloughs across special education offices. Mannella also emphasized potential cuts to IDEA-related programs and warned that states “can only backfill for so long” before funding shortages reach transportation operations directly.
He reinforced NAPT’s advocacy efforts, announcing that the NAPT Board voted to endorse the Break for Kids Act, which would mandate a nationwide public education campaign on illegal passing. “We are going to ask you to reach out to your congressional delegations,” he told attendees, urging grassroots participation to move the bill forward.
Following the policy review, Molly McGee-Hewitt addressed attendees, emphasizing both the value of federal partnerships and the limitations imposed by the shutdown, which prevented invited regulators from participating in person. She affirmed that many have already agreed to join future webinars. She also stressed concern about federal shifts that could “put kids at risk,” particularly in special needs funding, an area where federal commitments have historically fallen short.
The session culminated with the unveiling of NAPT’s new national advocacy initiative, Driven Together, a multi-month campaign designed to raise public understanding of the yellow school bus, elevate industry voices, and strengthen policy influence at every level.