Agenda
Sunday November 9 As of 9/10/25. Subject to change.
Keynote
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Staying Mission-Focused: Leading Through Policy Shifts with Clarity and Confidence
Keynote Speaker: Glenna Wright-Gallo
As students depend on the expertise and training of transportation teams, adapting to evolving policies is essential for delivering safe and reliable service. This session will focus on how accessible training programs, clear communication strategies, and innovative technology can empower transportation directors and drivers to effectively respond to federal and state requirements, including those under IDEA and Section 504. Participants will explore practical approaches to implementing updated policies, ensuring every student benefits from consistent, well-supported transportation services that keep pace with regulatory and operational change.
Keynote Sponsored by
Transportation
Departing at 8:30 a.m.
Special Training
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hands-on School Bus Evacuations for Students with Special Needs & Preschoolers
Instructors: Denny Coughlin, Frank Gazeley, Launi Harden, Aaron Harris & Kala Henkensiefken
Location: Prosper I.S.D. Support Services Facility Building 4
Description: Join student transportation experts in a classroom setting to review best practices for a successful emergency evacuation of students with disabilities and preschooler, followed by an exercise on a school bus that mimics a real-life route that is servicing students with various physical disabilities as well as younger riders. Complicating the exercise will then be the introduction of fake smoke on the bus to hinder the visibility of attendees as the practice evacuating the “children” during a fire. The instructors will time the participants on how quickly they can evacuate the bus. The seminar will provide instruction on the proper evacuation of students who ride in wheelchairs and who use various child safety restraint systems. Tools used by participants will include evacuation and fire blankets, belt cutters and more. Held offsite at Frisco ISD.
Transportation & lunch provided.
Maximum of 32 participants | Separate registration and fees required | Transportation & Lunch Provided
General Session
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
General Session: Regulation vs. Reality: A Roadmap for Decision-making for Alternative Transportation Services
Location: Frisco 1
Moderator: Alexandra Robinson
Panelists: Tyler Bryan, Anthony Shields, & Sue Shutrump
Lunch & Learn
12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Overcoming Challenges in Special Needs Transportation
Moderated by School Transportation News
Location: Frisco 1
Description: Transporting students with disabilities comes with unique challenges, from day-of changes to first-day chaos and even locating a missing student. This session will explore how an integrated technology platform can make operations safer, more efficient and less stressful for staff, students and families. Technology should work for you, not the other way around. Learn how tools for routing, communication and real-time updates can help your team respond quickly to keep students safer and give parents peace of mind.
Sponsored by
Breakout Sessions
2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Utilizing Educational Ecosystem Partnerships to Model Onboard Behavior for Students
Location: Frisco 1
Moderator: Lisa Navarra
Panelists: Terri Drca, Fred Doelker, & Jill Metcalfe
Understanding Dear Colleague Letters: Understanding Service Animal Inclusion Under Section 504/Seclusion & Restraint
Location: Ranger/Sea Biscuit/Traveller
Speaker: Glenna Gallo
Sessions
3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Safe Transportation of Students with Sensory Challenges
Location: Frisco 1
Moderator: Susan Shutrump
Panelists: Laura Blankenship
Selecting & Evaluating School Bus Stops
Location:Ranger/Sea Biscuit/Traveller
Speaker: Josy Campbell
Trade Show
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Trade Show + Tailgate Reception & Dinner
Description: This fun and interactive networking event with a football tailgate theme takes place on the trade show floor and enables attendees to visit with exhibitors that will be highlighting innovative products, solutions and services. Exhibitors and attendees can connect in a more relaxed atmosphere with food and drink stations spread across the trade show floor.