November 2:
Managing Student Behavior: A Three-Part Interactive Learning Experience
The new three-part Managing Student Behavior workshop series debuted at NAPT ACTS with an energetic and highly practical introduction to one of the most persistent challenges in school transportation: maintaining safe, consistent, and positive behavior from the moment students board the school bus. Led by Stephanie Walker, CDPT, CSPT, CSNT, CPTS, Transportation Coordinator for Habersham County Board of Education (GA), along with members of NAPT’s Special Needs Advisory Committee, the session set the stage for a comprehensive three-part learning experience designed specifically for transportation teams.
The workshop opened by grounding participants in a shared understanding of why behavior management matters. It is not merely a discipline issue, Walker emphasized; it is a safety imperative, a climate-building opportunity, and a key factor in student success. Every driver interaction—from greetings at the bus steps to conflict resolution in the back rows—shapes student behavior and sets the tone for the ride.
Through interactive discussion and scenario-based activities, attendees explored what students need most on the bus: predictability, clear expectations, supportive relationships, and adults who stay calm and confident even in challenging moments.
The sessions also focused heavily on communication: between drivers and students, between transportation and school staff, and across district departments. Participants discussed how consistent language, shared expectations, and documentation tools can keep teams aligned. Walker emphasized that drivers cannot manage student behavior alone; strong cross-department collaboration is essential for sustainable support.
Beyond the Bus: Navigating the Road Between the School Bus and Necessary Alternative Transportation
This workshop offered a timely and insightful exploration of how districts are adapting to an evolving student transportation landscape. Moderated by Teena Mitchell, CDPT, CSNT, Transportation Coordinator for Greenville County Schools (SC), the session brought together a panel of experienced leaders, including Katrina Morris, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation; Dawnett Wright, Director of Transportation for Peninsula School District (WA); and Don Paul Todd, Transportation Supervisor for Washington Township Board of Education (NJ).
The discussion began with an acknowledgment of today’s pressing operational realities: ongoing driver shortages, rising expectations for individualized student services, and a growing population of students experiencing housing instability or requiring specialized transportation. While the yellow school bus remains the safest and most efficient mode of transportation, panelists emphasized that alternative transportation has become a necessary and strategic supplement, ensuring that no student loses access to educational opportunities.
Panelists shared how their districts are developing structured partnerships with vetted alternative transportation providers, focusing first on communication. Strong, consistent dialogue between districts and providers was identified as the foundation for safe implementation. The panel highlighted best practices for setting service-level agreements, creating protocols for reporting, and ensuring that all partners understand district policies.
A major point of emphasis was driver vetting and training. Districts must ensure that third-party drivers undergo rigorous background checks, receive proper training in student management, and meet or exceed district safety standards. Emergency procedures, real-time communication systems, and clear escalation protocols were also discussed as essential elements of a safe hybrid transportation model.
Throughout the workshop, the message was clear: student safety must remain the non-negotiable core, regardless of whether a student rides a yellow bus, a district van, or an approved alternative service.
Ribbon Cutting & Trade Show
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at NAPT ACTS officially opened one of the most anticipated elements of the conference: the annual industry trade show. Leaders from across the student transportation community gathered at the entrance as NAPT representatives signaled the start of the event, welcoming attendees into a vibrant hub of innovation, collaboration, and professional connection.
This year’s trade show carried a special theme: WEAR YELLOW Day, a spirited tribute to the iconic yellow school bus. Attendees embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in a sea of yellow shirts, ties, jackets, and accessories. The visual unity created an atmosphere of pride and celebration, underscoring the shared mission of keeping students safe and recognizing the school bus as a vital symbol of education.
Once the ribbon was cut, the exhibit hall quickly filled with transportation professionals exploring booths hosted by manufacturers, technology providers, service partners, and organizations shaping the future of the industry. From new fleet innovations and advanced routing tools to safety equipment and training resources, the trade show offered hands-on opportunities to see emerging solutions up close.
The event also served as an essential networking platform. Attendees connected with vendors, asked in-depth operational questions, and exchanged ideas with colleagues from across the country.
Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement
The workshop “Mastering Wheelchair & Occupant Securement” at NAPT ACTS delivered an in-depth, highly practical learning experience for transportation professionals responsible for safely securing students who use mobility devices. Led by Jeff Allgire, National Sales Manager for AMF Bruns America, the session focused on the safe and compliant use of AMF Bruns’ Protektor Series, one of the industry’s most widely used securement systems.
Allgire began with a foundational overview of why proper securement is essential for regulatory compliance and for the safety, stability, and dignity of passengers. He emphasized that wheelchair securement is never simply a mechanical task; it is a critical responsibility with direct consequences for passenger well-being. With a mix of demonstration, explanation, and real-world examples, he walked participants through the full securement process, highlighting each step and explaining why each component matters.
A major focus of the workshop was the four-point securement method, including best practices for attaching the Protektor Series straps, positioning anchor points, and ensuring both tension and alignment are correct. Allgire also covered proper occupant restraint, clarifying where belts should be positioned, common mistakes to avoid, and how to ensure comfort without compromising safety.
By the end of the session, participants left with a stronger understanding of how the Protektor Series ensures secure, compliant restraint for both wheelchair and occupant, as well as a renewed appreciation for the precision and care required in every securement.
Coaching Conversations: How to Build Trust and Accountability with Your Team
This workshop offered transportation leaders a fresh, practical framework for communicating more effectively with their teams. Led by Keith Terry, Director of Transportation for Orangeburg County School District (SC), the session centered on the idea that leadership is all about fostering trust, clarity, and ownership.
Terry opened the session by acknowledging the challenge many transportation departments face: balancing the demands of safety and compliance with the human needs of drivers, aides, dispatchers, and office staff. He emphasized that meaningful leadership requires shifting from directive, compliance-based communication to a coaching-centered approach that supports growth and accountability.
Participants explored the core principles of coaching conversations, learning how the right questions can prompt reflection, responsibility, and problem solving.
The session also addressed real-world challenges: how to handle repeated performance issues, how to rebuild trust after conflict, and how to maintain accountability without harming morale.