As student transportation professionals across the country prepare to gather for the 2025 NAPT ACTS Conference and Trade Show, one critical session promises to tackle an increasingly urgent issue: how districts are evolving to meet the transportation needs of vulnerable student populations.
Leading the session are two longtime leaders in pupil transportation: Rosalyn Vann-Jackson, MBA, CDPT, Chief Support Services Officer at Broken Arrow Public Schools (OK) and Region 4 Director for NAPT; and Keith Kaup, CDPT, Director of Transportation at Pearland ISD (TX) and NAPT’s President-Elect. Their workshop will explore the complex transportation obligations under the McKinney-Vento Act, discuss alternative transportation solutions, and provide actionable insights for districts navigating these challenges.
We sat down with Vann-Jackson and Kaup to preview their session and discuss what attendees can expect to take away.
For readers who may not be familiar with your work, could you briefly introduce yourselves and your roles in both your districts and within NAPT?
Rosalyn Vann-Jackson: I serve as Chief Support Services Officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma. We have about 20,000 students and I oversee roughly 500 employees in areas like transportation, child nutrition, and before- and after-care programs. Within NAPT, I’m the Region 4 Director, which includes 11 central states like Texas, Missouri, Iowa, and the Dakotas. I also serve on the Advocacy Committee and as the Elections Chair.
Keith Kaup: I’m the Director of Transportation at Pearland ISD, just south of Houston. We have a similar student population (about 21,000 students) and we transport around 12,500 daily. I’ve worked in school transportation for 30 years, all in Texas, and I currently serve as NAPT’s President-Elect. I’ll transition to the President role this November.
Your session will focus heavily on McKinney-Vento compliance. Can you explain what that means for transportation professionals, especially those new to the
field?
Vann-Jackson: McKinney-Vento is a federal law that requires school districts to provide transportation for students experiencing homelessness (regardless of where they’re living) to their school of origin. While McKinney-Vento is not an unfunded mandate, the federal funding provided does not always fully cover the costs of compliance. Some states offer additional grant programs or specific funding mechanisms to support implementation. We’re going to explore what may be available, even if limited, and highlight how districts have leveraged these resources to ensure the delivery of these critical services. Over the years, the scope has expanded to include not only students in shelters or transitional housing, but also foster students and what we call “couch surfers,” or those living temporarily with friends or relatives.
What’s evolved is the complexity. Now we coordinate not just within our own districts but with others. These students often require trauma-informed care and additional training for drivers. And ultimately, it’s about improving educational outcomes. Transportation is a key factor in attendance, and attendance is a key factor in success.
Kaup: Absolutely. McKinney-Vento is about removing barriers, whether it’s food, clothing, or transportation, nothing should prevent a child from accessing school. And when we talk about vulnerable populations, we also include students with IEPs who require specialized transportation. These kids may need services that fall well outside traditional home-to-school busing. It’s our job to figure that out and make it happen.
How are districts currently using alternative student transportation to meet these evolving needs?
Kaup: First, we define “alternative transportation” as anything that’s not the traditional yellow school bus. And let’s be clear: the yellow bus remains the safest way to get students to and from school. That should always be the first option.
But there are cases where we simply can’t make it work logistically or with available staff or equipment. In those cases, we look at other district-owned vehicles (vans, SUVs, sedans) and use staff drivers who don’t need a CDL but still receive training.
When even that isn’t possible, we may look to neighboring districts or third-party transportation providers. That’s never the first choice, but it can be a necessary one if we’re going to meet a student’s needs.
Vann-Jackson: We like to think in terms of “transportation options.” Beyond the yellow bus, we might coordinate with another district to meet halfway, issue bus passes for students over age 12, or even offer mileage reimbursement to families. And yes, third-party providers are one of those options, but not the only one.
The key is doing everything possible to avoid creating a barrier to school access. Safety is always our top priority, but so is the student’s ability to attend school consistently.
What are the most important considerations when using transportation options outside of the yellow bus?
Vann-Jackson: Districts must understand that even when outsourcing services, they remain responsible. That means making sure contracts with third-party providers include non-negotiables: background checks, drug testing, vehicle inspections, seatbelt and car seat compliance, and insurance coverage that meets state standards. Timeliness is another huge factor. If a student is frequently late or misses school, that’s on us.
We also urge districts to refer to NAPT’s documentation on best practices for using alternative providers. It outlines the compliance issues and safety protocols every contract should include.
Kaup: And let’s not forget the “in-house” alternatives. When we use district vehicles, we still have to ensure drivers meet state licensing and training requirements. Just because a vehicle doesn’t require a CDL doesn’t mean you can throw anyone behind the wheel. That person is caring for a vulnerable child, not just driving them.
You have to know your state’s regulations and make sure every student, regardless of how they’re transported, gets the same level of safety and care they’d get on the bus.
Your session preview also mentions funding. Can you give us a teaser?
Vann-Jackson: While McKinney-Vento is technically unfunded at the federal level, some states have grant programs or specific funding mechanisms to support compliance. We’re going to explore what might be available, even if limited, and share how districts have tapped into those resources to provide these critical services.
Finally, what should someone expect from attending your session at NAPT ACTS 25?
Vann-Jackson: They’ll get more than just a lecture. This session is an opportunity to engage with other transportation leaders across the country who are navigating the same challenges. We’ll share best practices, safety strategies, and contract considerations, but we’ll also invite attendees to share what’s working for them.
Kaup: It’s about solutions, not just problems. If you’re struggling to meet the needs of McKinney-Vento, foster, or special education students, this is the room you want to be in.
Rosalyn Vann-Jackson and Keith Kaup’s educational session will be held during the NAPT ACTS 25 Conference. For more information, visit www.napt.org/acts25.