As the fall approaches, it’s an opportune time to prioritize your individual and team’s professional growth. Two upcoming conferences in particular—the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Conference and the Transporting Students with Disabilities & Special Needs (TSD) Conference—offer invaluable opportunities to sharpen leadership skills, stay updated on industry trends, and forge meaningful connections. These events are essential for professionals aiming to excel in the dynamic field of school transportation.

The NAPT ACTS, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, embraces the theme, “Driven by safety, guided by professional development.” The NAPT website states the event unites industry leaders with a shared goal: Ensuring safe and efficient transportation for every student. Attendees can expect Professional Development Series (PDS) training, discussions on industry challenges, and networking opportunities. The trade show provides an opportunity to explore solutions and connect with peers. Don’t miss the chance to visit booth #619 to meet the School Transportation News team and build new relationships that could shape your career.

You can also learn more about STN EXPO EAST in Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina on March 26-31, 2026. Meanwhile, the TSD Conference, taking place Nov. 6-11 in Dallas/Frisco, Texas, focuses specifically on transporting students with disabilities and special needs, providing hands-on safety training. This conference stands out for its specialized training and technology offerings, featuring four keynote speakers covering topics on student behavior and legal challenges and over two-dozen expert-led workshops. Attendees can also participate in the roadeo competition and the Technology Demonstration & Ride & Drive Experience on Friday, Nov.7. During the latter event, supplier partners and OEMs will showcase cutting-edge tools designed to enhance student safety and success.

The TSD Conference delves into best practices for supporting students with disabilities, offering insights that elevate both professional expertise and personal growth. By learning from seasoned professionals, attendees gain practical strategies to improve transportation services tailored to unique student needs. As one transportation director shared, “Conferences like TSD are vital for professional growth. They provide a platform to expand knowledge, develop skills and stay ahead of industry advancements. The networking and trade show sessions allowed me to exchange innovative ideas, build connections and gain insights critical for improving services, especially for students with disabilities and special needs.”

Beyond knowledge acquisition, these conferences foster collaboration and innovation. Trade shows expose participants to emerging technologies and potential partnerships, enabling them to integrate new tools into their operations. Engaging with exhibitors and fellow professionals sparks creative solutions to current challenges, ensuring school transportation remains efficient and student success focused. These interactions often lead to long-term collaborations that benefit both individuals and their organizations.

Conferences also offer enriching personal experiences. They provide a space to reconnect with colleagues, form new relationships and expand professional networks. These connections can lead to future opportunities, innovative problem-solving and collaborations that drive progress in school districts. The blend of professional development and meaningful networking creates a dynamic environment where attendees leave inspired and equipped to lead.

For those committed to advancing their careers, attending these conferences is a strategic investment. The NAPT and TSD conferences deliver actionable insights, access to industry leaders and motivation from inspiring speakers. They empower professionals to stay at the forefront of an evolving industry while building skills that directly impact student safety and success. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or new to the field, these conferences offer tools to help you grow both personally and professionally.

I encourage you to seize this opportunity by registering for the TSD Conference in Frisco, Texas. Visit tsdconference.com/agenda for details on the keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking events. The schedule is packed with opportunities to learn, connect and grow.

Investing in professional development through conferences like NAPT, TSD Conference and STN EXPO yields significant returns for both individuals and organizations. These events provide a platform to acquire new knowledge, build lasting connections and draw inspiration from industry pioneers. For anyone dedicated to advancing their career and improving school transportation, attending these conferences is a critical step toward achieving lasting success. By prioritizing professional growth, you are positioning you and your team to lead with confidence in an ever-changing school transportation industry.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted from the October 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Related: (STN Podcast E283) Onsite at TSD 2025 (Part 2/2): Solution-Driven Partners + TD of the Year Interview
Related: NAPT Speaker Shares Strategies to Boldly Approach, Overcome Fear
Related: Closing TSD Keynote Bridges Gap Between Student Behavior, Positive Reinforcement
Related: Education Leader Challenges Transportation Professionals to Reimagine Compliance and Student Access

The post Prioritize Your Professional Growth appeared first on School Transportation News.

At the National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show (ACTS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, keynote speaker Darryl Bellamy inspired the audience with creating transparency around common fears and how to move forward from fear paralysis.

Bellamy said during his Nov. 1 presentation that over his career he has collected 75,000 fears handwritten by individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and careers. He explained that across the ages, from 8 years old to 80, the fears seem to fall into the same categories. He led attendees through multiple interactive exercises to analyze their individual reactions to fear.

After the first exercise, where attendees closed their eyes to visualize what thoughts the word “fear” triggered, Bellamy explained that generally people have a negative feeling when it comes to fear. However, he said, fear is not the enemy. Inaction is. Fear is a natural response, a check-engine light to signal us that we are feeling discomfort or unsafe and is something we need to survive as humans. But it cannot stop us from pushing through.

“What I truly want is for you to not feel fearless, but to fear a little less,” said Bellamy.

The next exercise had each member of the audience write down their greatest fears on pieces of paper and then place them in a symbolic fire on the stage. Bellamy read aloud some of these written responses, noting the common themes and statements made. These included fear of how we are perceived, fear of not accomplishing goals, fear of appearing incompetent, fear of not being good enough, fear of losing a job or income, fear of making mistakes and fear of letting others down.

Volunteers from the audience stood up to voice their biggest fears, and Bellamy asked the rest of the attendees to affirm their agreement with each fear by snapping their fingers. This demonstration, he said, proves that while fear can feel very isolating, oftentimes we are facing similar fears as do the people around us.

One attendee said, “My biggest fear is that someone is going to outwork me, that they’re smarter than me.” Another said “People who know me see me as strong, powerful but inside I feel like an imposter. I’m so scared, so anxious.” Many of the attendees nodded in agreement with the statement, “I fear that I’m not being an effective enough leader for my team,” and “I fear that my best won’t be enough.”

“You’re never alone in your journey. We just don’t talk about it enough. The fears we hide are the ones that connect us the most. Don’t keep it in your head, talk with someone about it, you give it less your power and we can work through it a little bit easier,” said Bellamy.

Bellamy said the first step is to “trace” or identify the fear, name it and break out of the “fear loop,” which he defined by feelings of stress, helplessness, distrust, dread, panic and anxiety. The next step is to “embrace” by managing your response and taking action.

He explained his 5-Second Rule. “When a thought comes into our head, we usually talk ourselves in or out of it in five seconds.” He used the metaphor of a retreat, where individuals were on a high-ropes course, and one woman was too afraid to let go of the rope to get back off the course. Bellamy said he counted out loud from five to one, and her instinct helped her let go. He explained that when we’re in a fear loop, our bodies often show physical signs of tension. Making a small change, such as deep breathing or smiling, can unlock the ability to take action. This action, Bellamy explained, may not always be perfect, but it promotes learning and growth as opposed to inaction.

Bellamy gave his list of the five questions he encourages attendees to ask themselves in a moment of fear:

1. What exactly am I afraid of?

2. What if it goes well?

3. If I failed, how would I grow?

4. What would be my first steps?

5. What regret would I have if I didn’t take action?

The final step, said Bellamy, is “grace,” being kind to yourself and bouncing back when things don’t go perfectly. He said reminds himself that we’re all on the same journey of life iwith the statement, “I made the best decision with the information and who I was at the time.”

Often, the uncertainty and the regret of inaction is what will cause more stress in the long run, he said. He referenced a study that asked subjects to write down all the things they were worried about and then track those events over the next 30 days. The study found that only 15 percent of the worries came to fruition while 79 percent turned out better than expected. He ended with words of encouragement. “You’ve survived 100 percent of your bad days. The goal is not perfection, it’s progress,” he shared.

Related: Gallery: NAPT ACTS 2025
Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
Related: WATCH: South Carolina Bus Driver and Monitor Save Children from House Fire

The post NAPT Speaker Shares Strategies to Boldly Approach, Overcome Fear appeared first on School Transportation News.

School Transportation News was on-site at the National Association for Pupil Transportation ACTS in Grand Rapids, Michigan Oct. 31 – Nov. 4. Browse photos from the conference and trade show, including the induction of new board members, elected officials, Hall of Fame members, annual awards and industry sessions.

1 of 33

Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: NAPT Announces Election Winners Ahead of Annual Conference
Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025

The post Gallery: NAPT ACTS 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Attendees of the National Association for Pupil Transportation Annual Conference and Trade Show later this month in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will meet several new officers who won or held onto their seats following this week’s election.

In an email to members on Thursday, NAPT said the newly elected and reelected officers will be sworn in and begin their terms on Nov. 1 during NAPT ACTS. Elections ran from Sept. 30 through Oct. 1, and voters were able to cast their votes online.

Melody Coniglio, director of transportation at West Geauga Local Schools in Ohio, was elected NAPT president-elect. She currently serves as Region 3 director and will transition to her new role for two years before serving as president.

Coniglio ran against Karim Johnson, director of student transportation at Dorchester County School District Four in South Carolina, and Todd Silverthorn, supervisor of transportation services at Kettering City School District in Ohio. A special election will be held to fill the Region 3 Director seat, NAPT noted, which becomes vacant once the new board is sworn in at NAPT ACTS.

Keith Kaup, director of transportation at Pearland Independent School District in Texas, is the current president-elect and assumes the president role, succeeding Teena Mitchell of South Carolina.

Region 1 Director Marc Medina, supervisor of transportation at Farmingdale School District in New York, ran unopposed and succeeds Peter Lawrence, who completed three terms. According to NAPT bylaws, Lawrence had reached his term limit.

“Lawrence’s leadership helped establish a strong foundation for the region and positioned it for continued success,” NAPT said in a statement.

The new Region 5 director will be Dawnett Wright, director of transportation at Peninsula School District in Washington. She succeeds Athena Bartz of Wyoming, who completed one term and chose not to seek reelection.

Meanwhile, affiliate member director Maritza Valentin, the national sales manager for AMF-Bruns of America, was re-elected for a second term. She also ran unopposed. NAPT said Valentin “will continue her work to strengthen connections between industry business partners and members.”

Related: NAPT Shares Candidate Information Ahead of Next Week’s Elections
Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame

“Elections serve as the heartbeat of our association, reminding us that each member has both a voice and a part in shaping our shared future,” stated Molly McGee Hewitt, NAPT CEO and executive director. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, whether as candidates or voters. Your involvement fuels our progress and sparks innovation. Looking ahead, we are excited to unite our newly elected leaders with those currently serving, forming a strong coalition of leaders dedicated to embracing the NAPT vision of a world where every student has access to safe and efficient transportation.”

Members will vote Oct. 6–10 on proposed bylaw amendments, including changes to the regional structure that will directly impact director representation.

“I commend everyone who ran in this election—you are the foundation of our strength. I look forward to working with the full Board of Directors to keep NAPT moving forward,” added Kaup and the 2025 NAPT nominations chair.

NAPT ACTS will be held Oct. 31 – Nov. 4 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The post NAPT Announces Election Winners Ahead of Annual Conference appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) election is fast approaching. The candidates come from various backgrounds in student transportation and have been nominated based on their dedicated contributions to the industry.

The president-elect candidates are: Melody Coniglio, director of transportation for West Geauga Local Schools in Ohio and current NAPT Region 3 director; Karim Johnson, director of student transportation at Dorchester County School District Four in South Carolina; and Todd Silverthorn, supervisor of transportation services at Kettering City School District in Ohio.

Keith Kaup, director of transportation at Pearland Independent School District in Texas, is the current president elect and assumes the president role this fall, succeeding Teena Mitchell of South Carolina.

Coniglio started her career as a school bus driver in 1994 and since has served in various transportation leadership positions in Ohio districts. Johnson was named a STN Rising Superstar in 2020 and holds multiple state and NAPT certifications. Silverthorn is the current vice president and a recent past-president of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation. He has worked in student transportation for over 20 years.

Running unopposed for Region 1 director is Marc Medina, supervisor of transportation at Farmingdale School District in New York. Medina is the president of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation and has been in the industry for 15 years.

Dawnett Wright, director of transportation at Peninsula School District in Washington, is the sole candidate for Region 5 director. Also serving as the president of the Washington Association of Pupil Transportation, Wright has spent over three decades in the Pacific Northwest region, first as a school bus driver, then trainer and now director.

Maritza Valentin, national account manager at wheelchair securement provider AMF-Bruns of America, is running for re-election as affiliate member director. Valentin trains professionals to properly secure students with disabilities who ride in wheelchairs and advocates for American Disabilities Act compliance.

For the positions where only one candidate was nominated, NAPT stated that write-in candidates will be accepted during the voting period.

The NAPT election will run from 8 a.m. EST Tuesday, Sept. 30, through 5 p.m. EST Wednesday, Oct. 1. The elected members will be sworn in at NAPT ACTS Saturday, Nov. 1, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information on the candidates and their positions, go to www.napt.org/napt-candidates. Voter eligibility and voting details can be found at www.napt.org/napt-election-faq.

Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
Related: Alex Robinson, Mentor for Student Transportation Professionals
Related: (STN Podcast E231) Come Together: Florida Hurricane Fallout, NAPT Conference Recap

The post NAPT Shares Candidate Information Ahead of Next Week’s Elections appeared first on School Transportation News.

With the new school year underway, the New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is drawing urgent attention to the dangerous and ongoing issue of motorists illegally passing stopped school buses. The organization is calling on all New York drivers to be extra vigilant as school buses are back on daily routes across the state.

In a statement released last week, NYAPT emphasized the critical need for motorists to obey traffic laws designed to protect student safety, especially during boarding and drop-off times. According to a statewide survey of school bus drivers conducted by NYAPT, incidents of motorists passing stopped school buses remain a serious threat to student safety.

“Providing New York’s school-age children a safe school bus ride to and from school each day is our top priority, and we urge all motorists to do their part and be extra cautious as schools reopen,” said Marc Medina, NYAPT president and transportation director for the Farmingdale School District on Long Island. “We are asking drivers to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are back on the roads, and always to stop when they see those red lights flashing on a school bus because students’ lives depend on it.”

NYAPT remindeds motorists that New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law mandate all vehicles must stop when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights, regardless of the direction of travel even on multi-lane or divided highways. Red lights on a bus indicate that a child is either boarding or exiting the vehicle.

Additionally, school buses on routes have federally mandated stop arms that extend during student loading and unloading.

A first-time offense can result in a fine ranging from $250 to $400, five points on a driver’s license, and up to 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders within a three-year span can face steeper fines, longer jail terms, and eventual license revocation.

“Riding a school bus is the safest way for a student to get to and from school each day, and we ask motorists who share the road with our school buses to do their part to keep it that way,” said NYAPT Executive Director David Christopher.

The concern over illegal passing of stopped school buses extends far beyond New York. A nationwide survey conducted by the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) across 36 states and the District of Columbia revealed that approximately 31 percent of the nation’s school bus drivers reported a staggering number of motorists illegally passing stopped buses. During the one-day count, the participating states reported a total of 114,239 school bus drivers documented 67,258 vehicles passing their buses unlawfully on a single day. However, New York did not hare its numbers with NASDPTS.

In addition to safety concerns, NYAPT is highlighting another pressing issue affecting school transportation: The ongoing shortage of school bus drivers. A recent survey revealed that 60 percent of NYAPT members report needing to hire additional school bus drivers.

“While Gov. [Kathy] Hochul and the legislature have made important policy changes to assist schools with recruiting and retaining school bus drivers, many school transportation departments are still struggling to address the driver shortage problem,” Christopher added. “We ask that parents and caregivers who experience delays in school bus service or have transportation routes temporarily paused due to a lack of drivers be patient and have backup plans for transporting their children.”

Related: (STN Podcast E267) I Believe in This: Illegal Passing Drops & Michigan Pupil Transportation Leader Speaks
Related: Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: Updated: Fatal Motorcoach Crash During Band Trip Raises School Bus Safety Lessons

The post New York Association Urges Motorists to Stop for School Buses at Startup appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced the recipients of its Annual Awards Program, given to individuals in student transportation who had outstanding achievements in the industry.

The Distinguished Service Award will be awarded to Stephanie Walker, director of transportation for Habersham County Schools in Georgia. Walker has been serving as director at the district since 2021 and is also vice president of the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation. She currently has her certified director of pupil transportation (CDPT) and certified in special needs transportation (CSNT) delineations from NAPT. Walker was recognized by School Transportation News as an industry “Rising Superstar” in 2019.

Denny Coughlin is also a Distinguished Service Award honoree this year. Coughlin was the fleet manager at Minneapolis Public Schools for over 30 years and currently owns the School Bus Training Company. He is a familiar face at the STN EXPO and TSD conferences, presenting educational sessions or leading hands-on training.

The Continuing Education Award sponsored by Thomas Built Buses goes to Michelle Summers, assistant director of transportation at Lamar Consolidated Independent School District in Texas as of July 2025. She previously held the same position at Friendswood Independent School District also in Texas. Summers has experience working as a special needs supervisor as well as a routing supervisor prior to her assistant director role.

Sherri Zulick was chosen to receive the IC Bus School Bus Driver Training & Safety Award. She has been with Maine School Administrative District 06 since 2017 and was nominated for an STN Rising Superstar award in 2019 by Transportation Coordinator Sarah Marean. Marean said in her nomination that Zulick has been a strong addition to the team and worked to bring the district’s driver training program up to entry level driver training (ELDT) standards and has been successful in her efforts to assist new transportation employees in obtaining their CDL.

Special Needs Route Supervisor Katherine Michael is the winner of the Special Needs Transportation Award sponsored by Q’Straint/Sure-Lok. Michael is currently at Fayette County Schools in Georgia.

Finally, the Heroism Award sponsored by Blue Bird is being given to Spartanburg District 6 bus driver Crystal Foster and bus monitor Joclyn Johnson. Foster and Johnson made news headlines earlier this year when they saved three children from a house fire while driving their route and were praised for bravery and quick thinking.

The awards will be presented at the NAPT ACTS Annual Awards Presentation on Saturday, Nov. 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Related: Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: NAPT Hall of Famer Donn Remembered for ‘Crucial Role’ Played in Industry
Related: Esteemed Figures in School Transportation Awarded NAPT’s Highest Honor

The post NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Alexandra Robinson, a well-known figure across the global student transportation industry, will be recognized for her contributions with an induction into the National Pupil Transportation Association (NAPT) Hall of Fame this fall.

Robinson has spent over 30 years in student transportation, which includes serving as the executive director of the Office of Pupil Transportation at the New York City Department of Education, and before that director of transportation at San Diego Unified Schools in California and a transportation coordinator for exceptional student education at the Florida Department of Education. She was also NAPT president from 2011-2014.

Currently, she is president of A. Robinson Consulting that provides services to school districts and vendors as well as expert witness work on legal cases. She also co-found and manages the industry organization Women in Transportation (wit.). She is known by the School Transportation News community as part of the STN Editorial Advisory Board and the Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs (TSD) tenured faculty. Robinson is also a frequent speaker at the STN EXPO and TSD conferences, sharing her leadership and operational expertise with conference attendees.

“Alex’s induction celebrates not only her extraordinary achievements but also her unwavering commitment to advancing the student transportation profession and the people who make it possible,” NAPT said in a statement Monday.

The release noted that Hall of Fame induction requires nominated individuals to “meet the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, including distinguished service to both the industry and the Association.” NAPT said Robinson was chosen from the nominations based on her personal contributions, eminence, influence, and permanence.

Robinson will be officially inducted at NAPT ACTS on Saturday, Nov. 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Related: NAPT Announces More Annual Award Winners for 2025
Related: NAPT Hall of Famer Donn Remembered for ‘Crucial Role’ Played in Industry
Related: Esteemed Figures in School Transportation Awarded NAPT’s Highest Honor
Related: Student Transportation Officials Inducted into NAPT Hall of Fame
Related: Leading with Purpose: Insights from STN EXPO West’s Transportation Supervisor Seminar
Related: Setting Realistic Expectations for School Bus Drivers of Students with Special Needs
Related: No Step Too High As Women Climb School Transportation Industry Ladder

The post Robinson Named Sole 2025 Inductee into NAPT Hall of Fame appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) announced Minakshi Chilagani, a student at River Trail Middle School in Johns Creek, Georgia, is the overall national winner of the 2024–2025 National School Bus Safety Poster Contest.

The poster contest, organized annually by NAPT, is a long-standing tradition that encourages students to engage creatively with school bus safety messaging. It not only promotes awareness but empowers students to become ambassadors for safe school transportation in their communities.

Chilagani’s detailed artwork was chosen from student entries across the country in five different grade groups. Her poster will be featured nationwide during National School Bus Safety Week, happening Oct. 20–24, 2025. This year’s theme, “Safety First – Safety Always,” really comes through in her creative take on how to stay safe both on the bus and around it.

The winning poster was praised for illustrating core safety messages such as the importance of situational awareness, listening to the school bus driver, lining up properly while awaiting to board, staying seated during the ride, and avoiding the “most dangerous danger zone” around the bus.

In addition to NAPT, the panel of judges included the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and the National School Transportation Association. Each entry was evaluated based on safety impact, originality, artistic quality, and visual effectiveness.

Other students from across the country were also recognized as divisional winners in their respective grade categories. Among the younger divisions, Skylar Roque from Smyrna Elementary in Georgia took first place for grades K–2. Harshini Lingam Muhilan from Unity Charter School in Morristown, New Jersey, won first place in grades 3–5. Chilagani also placed first in her own category, grades 6–8. In the Special Education division, first place went to Jace Reeves from Feagin Mill Middle School in Warner Robins, Georgia. Emma Machiski from Shenendehowa Central School District in Clifton Park, New York, won first place in the Computer-Aided Drawing division.

Looking ahead, the theme for the 2025–2026 contest will be “Safe Rides, Everyday Heroes.” Students may begin submitting entries between Nov. 2, 2025, and April 3, 2026. Full contest rules and submission information are available here.

Related: Missouri Students Learn School Bus, Fire Safety During Back-to-School Bash
Related: NC Transportation Manager Channels Passion for Education, Safety into Children’s Books
Related: New York Middle Schooler Wins Annual Poster Contest
Related: School Bus Safety Act Renews Call for Seatbelts, Other Safety Improvements

The post Georgia Middle School Student Wins National School Bus Safety Poster Contest appeared first on School Transportation News.