Agenda

Sunday November 9 As of 8/6/25. 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 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 & Diandra Neugent

Location: Frisco ISD Transportation West

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 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

General Session: Alternative Transportation Panel

Lunch & Learn

12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Lunch & Learn

Breakout Sessions

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Using Social Stories to Teach Transportation Safety

Transportation Director Roundtable

Sessions

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Modeling Onboard Behavior for Students

Avoiding One-Size-Fits-All Solutions

Trade Show

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 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.

2025 TSD Topics As of 7/22/25. Subject to change.

Foundations of Transporting Students with Disabilities & Preschoolers
OT/PT/Transporter Forum
School Bus Monitor/Aide Training
School Bus Evacuation Training
National Specification Updates to Transporting Medically Fragile Students & Preschoolers
Medicaid Reimbursement Funding
American Sign Language for Student Transporters

The 13 Exceptional Abilities
Wheelchair Crash Test Updates
Developing Policies for Proper & Safest Usage of Student Restraint & Seclusion
Modeling Behavior Interventions for Transportation
Creating a Culture of Wonder with Staff for Their Student Riders
Avoiding One-Size-Fits-All Solutions for Transportation
Service Animals and Section 504

Proactive Driver & Attendant Training Programs
Build Blocks for Career Development
Successful Partnerships Between School Districts & Contractors
Providing Training for the Service of Medically Fragile Riders
When Can & Should You Say No to IEP Team Requests?
What the Latest Wheelchair Crash Research Tells Us

And more!