New York Association for Pupil Transportation  

Annual Conference & Trade Show 

Saratoga Spring Hilton & City Center 

Schedule of Events 

 

Saturday – July 11, 2026 

1:00 – 5:00 

NAPT PDS 402 – Managing Human Resources:  Employee Relations -  Travers Alabama 

Dr. Peter Lawrence – Presenter 

Attend this four-hour practical overview of human resource management for pupil transportation managers and supervisors, focusing on employee evaluation, training, and discipline. The course also covers the "how to" of developing accurate job descriptions. 

Sunday – July 12, 2026 

Registration is open 9:00 – 5:00 PM in the Lower Lobby   

8:00 – 12:00 

Leadership vs. Management – Finding the Right Balance -   Travers Alabama 

Nicole Dolce - Presenter 

Effective organizations need both strong leadership and solid management—but the two are not the same. This interactive workshop explores the key differences between leading people and managing tasks, and why successful professionals must develop skills in both areas. Participants will examine how leadership focuses on vision, influence, and motivation, while management emphasizes planning, organization, and execution. 

 

12:00 – 1:30  

Conference Opens 

Welcome and NYAPT Membership Meeting - Saratoga Ballroom 

Welcome Address - Brian Fessler - Chief Advocacy Officer - New York State School Boards Association 

President Marc Medina – NYAPT President 

NYAPT President Marc Medina opens the conference and welcomes attendees. 

Convene the NYAPT Annual Meeting 

1:30-2:30  

Keynote presentation: “Think Like a Futurist.”    Saratoga Ballroom 

Featuring Future Hunter - Erica Orange 

Erica Orange is one of the world's leading futurists, having delivered over 300 keynotes around the world, and author of the book  AI+The New Human Frontier.   NYAPT is pleased to present this thought-provoking keynote to attendees.  So, what is a Futurist?  A futurist is someone who studies and explores what the future might look like, especially how trends today could shape tomorrow.  In these uncertain times and consistent with our theme, “Back to the Future, this session will give us a glimpse of the world in the future.  Erica will share her thoughts on what the future may hold for schools and businesses, along with insights on what our business might look like – school transportation services! 

2:30-2:45 Stretch Break 

2:45 – 3:45 

World Resources Institute – Transitioning to Electric Buses – Lessons Learned From the Field

Saratoga Ballroom 

Hannah Haraski – Project Manager – New York Fleet Electrification – WRI                                             

WRI hosts a moderated peer panel featuring school district and pupil transportation representatives from across New York State who have firsthand experience planning for, deploying, and operating electric school buses. Panelists will share practical lessons learned, including what surprised them, what challenges they encountered, how they worked through those challenges, and what they wish they had known before getting started. Topics will include operations, maintenance, charging, utility coordination, workforce considerations, and planning timelines. The session is designed to provide transportation professionals with candid, real-world perspectives and practical insights they can use to evaluate and prepare for future fleet decisions.

Speakers: Varun Adibhatla (NYCSBUS), Pat Elwell (Naples Central School District), Fran D'Ambrosio (Canajoharie Central School Districts) 

3:45 – 4:30 

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up -   Saratoga Ballroom Foyer 

Sponsored by Transfinder

Gather in the Saratoga Ballroom Foyer for refreshments and meet the companies providing Ride-N-Drive/Ride Along opportunities.  NYAPT is pleased to offer this Ride-N-Drive/Ride Along opportunity to attendees, allowing our vendor partners to demonstrate their new technology on the road, simulating real-life operations.  Sign up for this event to guarantee your spot, but if you miss the sign-up window, attend anyway for food, drink, and networking with your colleagues. 

 

4:00 – 5:00 

Ride-N-Drive/Ride-Along Event - Hotel Circle 

Featuring: Transfinder, New York Bus Sales, and RIDE 

NYAPT Industry Partners, Transfinder, New York Bus Sales, and RIDE will showcase their products on the road.  All attendees are welcome. 

5:00 New Attendee Reception 

Whitney Room 

New attendees are invited to this reception to meet NYAPT leaders and ask any questions they might have.  

Enjoy Saratoga Springs this evening on your own. 

 

Monday, July 13, 2026 

7:00 – 5:00 Registration is Open – Lower Lobby 

8:00 – 5:00 NYSDOT Inspection Demonstrations  

Where: Saratoga City School District Transportation Center - 25 Duplainville Road, Saratoga Springs.  NYS DOT will provide live inspection training on school buses.  Pre-registration required for this event.  Lunch will be served on site at the Saratoga Springs Transportation Center for all attendees.  After lunch, attendees may attend the NYAPT Trade Show at the Saratoga City Center starting at 1:00.  

 

8:00- 12:00 Noon – Exhibitor set up for NYAPT Trade Show – Saratoga City Center Main Hall and Gallery 

8:00 – 9:00 Breakfast Provided – Sponsored by Transfinder – Saratoga Ballroom 

9:00 – 10:00 General Session  

Lap/Shoulder Belts on School Buses? Is this the future? 

Derek Graham – Presenter, Retired State Director, North Carolina, NASDPTS Past-President 

Saratoga Ballroom   

Derek Graham, a distinguished national speaker specializing in school transportation topics, former North Carolina State Director, and Past President of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation, will present on the effectiveness of lap/shoulder belts on school buses. Derek will provide insights based on recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and present case studies of school transportation accidents that have revitalized discussions regarding lap/shoulder belts on school buses.    

10:00 – 11:00 General Session 

Organizational Management and Team Building in the Transportation Department 

Becky Carman – Presenter, Director of Policy and Community Development – Shenendehowa Central Schools 

Saratoga Ballroom  

Effective school transportation operations depend on more than buses and routes.  They rely on strong leadership, clear communication, and cohesive teams.  In this session, Becky Carman, Director of Policy and Community Development, a seasoned Administrator familiar with school transportation operations from her work at the Shenendehowa School District, will share practical strategies for managing complex organizations while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and safety.  

11:00 -12:00 

Meet NYAPT Industry Leaders 

NYAPT is pleased to collaborate with several prominent Industry Leaders who support NYAPT at the highest levels. Attend workshops led by these Industry Leaders to gain insights into the latest industry topics. 

Matthews Buses, Inc -  Thomas Built Buses today into tomorrow -Travers 

New York Bus Sales - Strategizing for Current and Future Emissions,  What we know today for a smooth tomorrow - Alabama 

Transfinder - School Transportation Trends and Strategic Solutions -Broadway 1 

Bird Bus Sales  - "Ramifications of the 5 year push back and how to navigate moving forward" - Broadway 2

Tyler Technologies - Doing More with Less: Technology Strategies for Driver Shortages - Broadway 3 

First Light Safety Products - School Bus Safety In The Empire State -  Broadway 4 

Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. - IC Bus Standard Telematics Capabilities and Dashboard Training - Saratoga 1 

BusRight - From Your Idea into an App in 30 Minutes! - Whitney 

 

12:00 -1:00 Lunch Provided - Sponsored by First Light Safety Products –    Saratoga Ballroom 

 

1:00 NYAPT Trade Show Ribbon Cutting – Gallery Area 

 

1:00 – 2:00 – Dessert and Coffee will be available at the NYAPT Trade Show -  City Center Main Hall and the Gallery 

Sponsored by RATSA

 

1:00 – 5:00 NYAPT Trade Show – City Center Main Hall and the Gallery  

 

1:00 – 3:00 Voting for Executive Officers and By-Laws will take place in the Lower Lobby.  All Active and Life Members are eligible to vote. 

 

3:30 – NYAPT Trade Show Reception – Food and beverage available on the Trade Show floor and Gallery 

 

5:00 - Close of NYAPT Trade Show  

 

5:30 – Shuttle buses are available at the Broadway entrance of the hotel for transportation to the Vapor Night Club 

Buses provided by Student Transportation of America, Inc (STA)

 

6:00 – 10:00 NYAPT Networking Event – Vapor Night Club – Food, beverage, and music featuring  “The Accents”  

Sponsored by the New York Bus Distributors Association

       

 

 

 

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 

7:00 – 5:00 Registration Open – Lower Lobby 

7:30 – Breakfast Provided – Saratoga Ballroom 

Sponsored by New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal 

Congratulations NYSIR Scholarship Winners

Michelle Britton - Harborfields School District - Region 1

Holly Burdick - Ballston Spa Central School District - Region 2

Cindy Baitsell - Oswego City  School District - Region 3

Nicole Bond - Odessa-Montour School District - Region 4

Cathy Thompson - Hornell Central School District - Region 5

8:30 – Breakout Sessions 

Through Their Senses: Creating Safer, Calmer School Bus Ride 

Susan Shutrump – Broadway 1&2 
What if the key to a safer, calmer bus ride lies in recognizing students’ sensory needs? In this interactive session, you’ll explore how sensory sensitivities may fuel challenging behaviors on the bus and discover how simple, practical accommodations can create a safer, more comfortable environment for everyone. Through real-life stories and activities, you’ll get the chance to reflect on your own sensory responses, giving you a new perspective on what students truly need to feel safe and supported on the bus. 
 

Safe Routes and Stops 

Derek Graham – Broadway 3&4 

Safe and efficient routing is integral to the success of any school transportation operation. Derek will present safe routing strategies derived from his tenure as State Director for the State of North Carolina, as well as from recommendations outlined in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's toolkit, “Planning Safe School Bus Stops and Routes." 

Emergency Response Training for School Bus Staff 

Dan Proctor – CE/SBDI/MI Trainer – GV BOCES 

Travers 

Active shooter training for school transportation supervisors emphasizes empowering personnel to make rapid decisions through Run-Hide-Fight, situational awareness, and scenario-based emergency training. We will discuss each component and the various in-house training options designed to prepare bus drivers, attendants, and monitors for unforeseen events. 

19A Round Table 

John Spacht – Transportation Director- Frewsburg, Jamestown, and Southwestern School Districts 

Alabama 

John is a 19A Examiner, a DMV Third-Party Skills Tester, and a 19A Refresher Instructor.  In this session, John provides an overview of the 19A file and highlights common issues cited in DMV audits.  Time will be set aside for Q&A to answer specific questions you might have.  

 

9:45 – 10:45 Repeat of 8:30 Breakout Sessions 

10:45 Coffee Break - Foyer 

 

11:00 Keynote Presentation – Dustin Dean “Mentalists” 

Saratoga Ballroom 

We are halfway through the conference, and it is now time to enjoy some entertainment. We present Dustin Dean, a Mentalist, who will astound the audience with his magic and extraordinary mind-reading abilities. Do not miss this entertaining session! 

 

12:00 Lunch Provided - Sponsored by BusRight – Saratoga Ballroom  

Raffle basket drawings will be held to support the NYAPT Scholarship Fund 

1:00 Breakout Sessions 

Fleet Rotation Planning 

Jason Johnson – Assistant Director – Horseheads Central School District 

Broadway 1&2 

Does your district have a fleet rotation plan in place? If not, it is highly recommended, particularly during this period of transition to electric buses. Attend this session to hear from Jason Johnson, Assistant Director at Horseheads Central School District and Past-President of the NYS Head Mechanics Association, who will share insights on developing an effective fleet rotation strategy and its importance to your operation.  

School District Emergency Planning 

Marc Medina – Transportation Director – Farmingdale School District 

Broadway 3&4 

Planning for emergencies constitutes a vital aspect of a Transportation leader's responsibilities. In a school emergency, the Transportation Department will play a pivotal role in the Emergency process. This session is designed to prompt deep reflection on what a transportation operation should consider and prepare for in an emergency. 

 

Data Decision Making 101 

Dave Christopher – Executive Director – NYAPT 

Travers 

How do you make important decisions in your operation?  Attend this session to gain a deeper understanding of data-driven decision-making and to recognize its importance for transportation leaders, both now and in the future, to increase your proficiency in applying data to transportation leaders' day-to-day decisions. 

Building Strong Teams 

Nicole Dolce – Transportation Director – Herricks School District 

Alabama 

This breakout session explores the vital role of collaboration by distinguishing between teamwork and the strategic action of team building. Participants will examine key fundamentals for creating strong teams and engage in hands-on activities designed to gain a better understanding of how to put these fundamentals into action.  

 

2:15 - 3:15 Breakout Sessions – Repeat of 1:00 Presentations 

3:15 – 3:30 Refreshment Break - Gallery 

3:30 – 4:30 World Resources Institute – Breakout Session 

Utilities and Electric School Buses: What Districts Need to Know

Broadway 1&2 

This session will provide a practical introduction to the role utilities play in school bus electrification and the key considerations districts should understand as they begin planning. Attendees will hear from utility representatives, transportation professionals, and other stakeholders about topics including utility coordination, charging infrastructure, timelines, rates and electricity costs, and common questions that arise during early planning. Designed for districts that are new to electrification, the session will focus on practical information, lessons learned, and audience Q&A. Participants will leave with a better understanding of how utilities work and how they fit into the electrification process, what questions to ask, and what steps districts can take to prepare for future fleet decisions

Speakers: Ryan Wheeler (National Grid), Anna Shulman (New York Power Authority) 

What is an Occasional Driver? 

Brian Trask – Unatego Central School District 

Alabama 

Determining when to use an Occasional Driver in compliance with SED regulations is always challenging and not well understood.  Brian has developed a simple yet thorough guide for how to utilize Occasional Drivers in compliance with regulations.   

 

Reasonable Suspicion Training 

Jessie Rabun - Operations Lead – Occupational Safety On Site 

Broadway 3&4 

One of the most important duties of our transportation management team is to ensure that our drivers are fit for duty as required by the FMCSA. In this session, we provide an overview of reasonable suspicion oversight and the importance of training, documentation, and policy.  

 

6:00 – 7:00 NYAPT Awards Banquet Reception 

Foyer & Pavilion 

Join friends and colleagues in the Saratoga Ballroom Foyer prior to the NYAPT Awards Banquet for an evening of conversation, networking, and camaraderie.  Arrive early to relax, reconnect, and enjoy the atmosphere before we celebrate this year's honorees' outstanding achievements.  

7:00 – 10:00 – NYAPT Awards Banquet  

Saratoga Ballroom 

Dress to impress and join your colleagues in the Saratoga Ballroom for a special celebration at the Annual NYAPT Awards Banquet. Enjoy delicious food, lively music, and well-deserved recognition, then cap off the evening with some delightful dessert and coffee. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with awardees and friends in a warm, festive atmosphere.  

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS NYAPT! 

 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 

7:30 Breakfast is served in the Saratoga Ballroom 

8:30 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Update  

Elaine Chan, Safety Investigator at USDOT 

Saratoga Ballroom 

Elaine will update NYAPT on the changes at the FMCSA that affect school transportation services. 

9:30 NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Bus Driver Unit Update 

Eric Ketzer.  Highway Safety Program Analyst 2 

Sponsored by Leonard Bus Sales, Inc.

Saratoga Ballroom 

Our colleagues from BDU will assist in concluding the conference by providing an update on recent changes at BDU and furnishing information on maintaining compliance with Article 19A records and requirements. 

10:00 - NYSED Update -  David Elliott - Coordinator - Education Aid Services/Acting State Pupil Transportation Director

Sponsored by Leonard Bus Sales, Inc.

Saratoga Ballroom

David will update the industry on all matters pupil transportation from the NYS Education Department

10:30 Stretch Break   

10:45 New York State School Transportation Accident Summary 

Faye Stevens – Regional Training Manager, First Student 

Saratoga Ballroom 

We conclude the conference with an in-depth examination of school bus accidents in New York State and across the nation. This important session is designed to help us enhance our understanding of accident causation and refine our training programs to prevent accidents and ensure student safety.   

11:45 Close of conference and NYAPT Annual Meeting 

          BusRight Trip Raffle 

  

12:00 – 1:00 New President’s Luncheon and Swearing In of Officers 

Broadway Ballroom 

1:00 – NYAPT Board Meeting- Travers 

Safe Travels!