Agenda

Friday November 17 As of 9/6/23. Subject to change.

General Session

8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Transportation Director Leadership in Special Needs + 2023 TD of the Year Award

Panelists: Kayne Smith (Transportation Director: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD in Texas), Greg Jackson (Former Jeffco Public Schools: Colorado Director), Jennifer Vobis (Executive Director: Clark County SD, Nevada)

Sponsored by Blue Bird

Blue Bird
Keynote

9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Transportation of Special Education Students: Avoiding the Bumps and Legal Hazards

Keynote By Betsey Helfrich

DescriptionIn this fast-paced presentation, special education attorney Betsey Helfrich, will examine school transportation from a legal perspective.  From a review of recent case law to current hot-topics, this presentation will dive into the legalities of the transportation of students with disabilities.  From aides on buses to sharing information with the transportation department, this presentation will include practical tips that you need to know to minimize liability and keep students safe.

Sponsored by First Student

First Student
General Session

11:00 a.m – 12:15 p.m.

Susavage v. Bucks: Then & Now
Lunch

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Lunch & Learn with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)

Facilitator: Stephen Whaley

Description: Student transportation directors need options to diesel powered buses and they need cooperation and support from their chief mechanics, chief financial officers, and superintendents for adoption to these alternatives. Steve Whaley of the Propane Education & Research Council will facilitate a discussion with panelists from each of these positions for transportation directors to learn how to get buy in from everyone to launch a successful transition to a financially and environmentally sustainable solution.

Lunch reserved for Main Conference Attendees

Lunch & presentation by the Propane Education & Research Council

PERC
Special Training

2:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.

Wheelchair Securement Training | Special Needs Roadeo

Receive instruction from Q’Straint/Sure-Lok representatives on proper securement of wheelchairs in school buses. This class is a refresher class for TSD Roadeo contestants as well as main conference attendees.

Separate registration is NOT required

Presented by Q’Straint & Sure-Lok

Q'Straint & Sure-Lok
Breakout Session

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Breakout Session
Session

2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

OT/PT/Transporter Forum
Breakout Session

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Breakout Session

Breakout Topics As of 7/6/23. Subject to change.

  • Foundations of Special Needs & Preschool Transportaiton
  • When to Update Policies & Procedures … and Ensure Accuracy
  • Routing to Reduce Excessive Student Ride Times
  • How to Avoid Intra-District Communication Failures Across
  • Training & Support for Transporting Medically Fragile Students
  • OT/PT/Transporter Forum
  • Emergency Evacuation Training
  • Weighing Compensatory Versus Denial of Services
  • Funding 101
  • Systemic Impact of Case Law on Transporting Students with Special Needs
  • Case Studies in Innovation
  • Proper CSRS Selection When Its Not Just School Bus
  • Lessons Learned from ‘Dumb’ Decisions
  • Developing Allies on IEP & Assessment Teams
  • Making Transportation Advocates Out of Principals and Teachers
  • Problematic Sexual Behaviors on Special Needs Routes
  • Why Aren't CSRS Used When They Should Be?

And more!