Best Practices: COVID-19 Series Webinars from Transfinder

Best Practices Recorded Webinars

Updated 11.21.24

Visit our Best Practices: COVID-19 - Navigating Uncharted Territory page for helpful links, stories and examples from school districts around North America. Click here.

NEW VIDEOS FOR 2024!

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Things to give THANKS for in Transportation
The focus is on THANKS: Timely arrivals keep kids on track Helping hands from drivers and staff Always reliable Navigating routes with care and precision Kindness shown to everyone onboard Safely delivering students, our top priority We will tackle each of these areas, tools that have helped make each of them possible and any other insights panelists can provide.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Travis Cheatham, Routing Supervisor at Waco ISD (TX); Jeannie Del Rio, Maintenance & Transportation Admin. Assistant at Murray CSD (UT); Sean McKenzie, Fleet Operations Transportation Coordinator at South Burlington SD (VT); Bill Walden, Transportation Supervisor at El Paso Gridley Schools (IL) Unit 11, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired November 21, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Building a Top Transportation Team (Part 2)
During this, the second of a special two-part leadership series, we will hear from the winners of the Top Transportation Teams award. In this series we’ll hear: What makes their teams special; How they built a great culture; What approaches didn’t work and why. We’ll also hear personal advice on what people can do right now to start growing a Top Transportation Team. Panelists will share how they’ve changed as a leader and just what that word “leader” means to them. Plus, we’ll take questions as well as ideas from those in attendance.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Kevin DiPoalo, Director of Transportation at School District of Haverford Township, Pennsylvania; Trace Johnson, Director of Student Routing and Technologies at Palmer Bus Service in Minnesota; Lisa Danskin, Transportation Manager at Central Kitsap School District in Washington, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired October 24, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Building a Top Transportation Team (Part 1)
During this special two-part leadership series, we will hear from the winners of the Top Transportation Teams award. In this series we’ll hear: What makes their teams special; How they built a great culture; What approaches didn’t work and why. We’ll also hear personal advice on what people can do right now to start growing a Top Transportation Team. Panelists will share how they’ve changed as a leader and just what that word “leader” means to them.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Joe Carlson, Director of Facilities and Transportation, Kittatinny Regional High School, NJ; Mike Hamstra, Transportation Manager, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, WI; Leah Haven, Transportation Coordinator, Logan Township School District & South Harrison Township School District, NJ; Al Karam, Director of Transportation, Shenendehowa Central Schools, NY, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired September 19, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Out with the Old, In with the New (School Year, that is!)
It happens every year: One school year comes to an end, a new school year begins and there's summer school in between. And we know no two school years are the same. What worked one year, may not work the next. Changes such as new communities popping up, changes in bell times, staffing changes, adding new technology and more all can be daunting. But not impossible. Hear from transportation leaders how they prepare for each new school year and how they adjust when thrown a curveball.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Greg Bingham, Director of Transportation, Alvin ISD, TX; Danielle Fair, Transportation Routing Supervisor, Tomball ISD, TX; Andrew Grasty, Transportation Director, Assistant Director of Schools for Transportation, TN; Jay Hunt, Director of Transportation, Lawton Public Schools, OK; Gene Mcwhorter, Routing Supervisor, Pflugerville ISD, TX; Laura Renno, Danville Area School District, PA; Heather Williams, Coordinator of Facilities, Rensselaer City School District, NY, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired June 20, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: The Power of YOU: Transportation Insights Live from ACS
In our first Best Practices webinar with a "studio audience," we "broadcast LIVE" from Transfinder's Annual Client Summit in San Antonio, Texas, where the theme was "The Power of YOU!" Each of you play a critical role in the transportation of hundreds if not thousands of students, impacting families and communities. You play a huge role. During the three-day Annual Client Summit more than 300 transportation leaders from throughout North America attended dozens of classes touching on topics designed to help them do their jobs even better, strengthen their operations, improve communication and build a top team.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Mike Brassfield, Director, TransPar; Courtney Parr, Director of Transportation, Perrysburg School, OH; Heather Williams, Transportation Supervisor, Rensselaer City SD, NY; Lori Sears, Director of Transportation, Bryan ISD; Antonio Civitella, President & CEO, Transfinder, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired May 1, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: March Madness: Dealing with Chaos in a Changing Environment
You've survived the upheaval caused by COVID, perhaps still dealing with the aftereffects. Whether you've been on the job a few years or a few decades, you're now seasoned veterans. But today there seems to be constant change: new regulations, new roads and cul de sacs in your community, shifts in staffing, some people retiring, new hires. How do you make sense of the chaos, bring order to your operation and anticipate what's coming down the road? Hear from leaders will share what worked for them and what didn't work for them... and why.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Leap Ahead - How to More than Manage and Truly Lead
Transportation leaders play a key role in keeping their operations up to speed with the latest technology can recall the painful challenge of moving from routing manually to using any kind of technology. Today, technology is evolving at a rapid pace. When do you get a parent app or a driver app? Do you really need software to manage your fleet? Can there be such as thing as too much technology? Beyond technology, transportation leaders can often bring in change that may be uncomfortable at first but the change is necessary to keep the operation efficient and even in compliance. Hear from leader who will discuss their management styles and how they have helped their departments leap ahead. It's Leap Day after all, let's make the most of this extra day! Originally aired February 29, 2024.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: What's New? Entering 2024 with Renewed Focus
In the education world, you get two opportunities to have that "new year, fresh start" feeling: during the fall opening, which is now months behind us, and January, when the rest of the world turns the page on their calendar, wipes the slate clean, and sets new agendas and goals. What expectations do transportation leaders have in 2024? What's working so far this year that they plan to continue into the new year? What are they looking forward to? What tips can they share on setting and reaching goals? Originally aired January 25, 2024.

VIDEOS FOR 2023

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Technology Down the Road that Could Impact Your District
School transportation is changing rapidly like never before. What technology is coming down the road that could impact your district? Wi-Fi parent and driver apps, stop arm cameras and more are all playing or will play big roles. Hear our panel discuss how these are changing the way they think about their jobs, their operations and the way they serve their communities. Originally aired November 14, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Follow the Leaders: Part 2
During this special two-part leadership series, we will hear from the winners of the Top Transportation Teams award. During this series we'll hear: What makes their teams special; How they built a great culture; What approaches didn't work and why. Panelists will share how they've changed as a leader and just what that word "leader" means to them. Originally aired October 19, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Follow the Leaders: Part 1
During this special two-part leadership series, we will hear from the winners of the Top Transportation Teams award. During this series we’ll hear: What makes their teams special; How they built a great culture; What approaches didn’t work and why. We’ll also hear personal advice on what people can do right now to start growing a Top Transportation Team. Originally aired September 19, 2023.

Click here for Best Practices: Executive Roundtable (Part I) – Leaders of Transportation Associations Discuss National & State Issues.
In this webinar, you will hear from three executive directors of state associations as well as two leaders from national organizations, the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation and the National Association for Pupil Transportation. Panelists will discuss what issues they are facing nationally and/or in their states and ways they are addressing those challenges. Originally aired May 25, 2023.

Click here for Best Practices: Executive Roundtable (Part II) – Leaders of Transportation Associations Discuss National & State Issues.
In this webinar, you will hear from three executive directors of state associations as well as two leaders from national organizations. They will discuss strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) they have experienced or anticipate. They will discuss how they have improved as leaders. Originally aired June 29, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Summer Plannin' - The Do's and Don'ts of Summer School Transportation
We may have just entered spring but believe it or not, summer is around the corner. And we know that summer is a busy time in the transportation office. How do you prepare for your summer transportation needs? How does summer play a role in preparing for the next school year? What are the do's and don'ts as you map out plans for the summer and beyond? In this webinar you'll hear lessons learned from top transportation leaders. Plus, attendees will be sharing their insights in real-time too. School may be out for the summer, but we know in the transportation world these are hardly lazy or hazy (but maybe a bit crazy).

This webinar features a panel discussion with Bruce Berry - Director of Transportation at Black River Local Schools, Sullivan, OH; Craig Henson - Coordinator of Transportation at Tuscaloosa County Schools, AL; Janice Ortiz - Transportation Coordinator at Watchung Hills Regional High SD, Warren, NJ; Elizabeth Hamid - Transportation Supervisor at Half Hollow Hills Central SD, Dix Hills, NY; Lorri Smith - Assistant Transportation Supervisor at East Valley SD 361, Spokane Valley, WA and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired April 27, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: CHANGES!
CHANGES! What changes have you seen in transportation recently, what changes are you seeing coming down the road? What are you doing to adjust to those changes? Join us for this fast and informative webinar featuring leaders in the school transportation industry.

This webinar features a panel discussion with James Lopez - Maintenance Operations and Transportation Assistant at Thermalito Union Elementary School District, CA; Marc Medina - Transportation Supervisor at Farmingdale School District, NY; Tony Quaranta - Transportation Director at Owego-Apalachin Central School District, NY, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired March 23, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Building Your Budget and Buy-In
It's not too soon to be planning your budget. What are those "must haves" versus those "nice to haves" and how will you present them to your district leadership? What's a winning argument? What's the best way to approach your leadership? And what doesn't work? Hear from veterans about the best way to build a budget and then get buy-in.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Dr. Jeffrey Butts: Superintendent, MSD of Wayne Township (IN); Dr. Kerry Duskin: Transportation Director, Roosevelt Elementary School #66 (AZ); Dr. Jim Hanna: Superintendent, Rossville (IN) Consolidated School District; Rex Kozak: Transportation Director, Marshalltown (IA) Community School District; Lorri Smith: Transportation Director, East Valley School District 361, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired February 28, 2023.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Starting the Year Even Stronger
The school year is off and running. You’ve worked out any opening day kinks. Field trips and transportation to sporting events are running smoothly. You’ve made it through the holidays. You have a plan for the rest of 2023. You are planning for 2023 school opening. Whether you have checkmarks next to all these items on your to-do list or not, this webinar was designed with you in mind. How can you start 2023 even stronger than you started 2022? What tips have you learned in the past that help propel you to greater efficiency, improved communications and stronger relationships with your team and community? What does 2023 look like in school districts across North America? Will the driver shortage become a non-story? Will student discipline issues begin to drop? This fast and informative webinar features leaders in the school transportation industry.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Bill Andexler, Coordinator of Transportation, Akron (Ohio) Public Schools; Joseph Cervone, Transportation Supervisor, Sachem (NY) Central School District; Tony Corpin, Publisher, School Transportation News; Curt Macysyn, Executive Director, National School Transportation Association; Molly McGee-Hewitt, Executive Director and CEO, National Association for Pupil Transportation; Tammy McKinley, Administrative Assistant, Redmond (Ore.) Schools; Ronna Weber, Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS), and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired January 19, 2023.

Videos from 2022

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Trends in Transportation
The year is rapidly coming to a close. What do you do to end the year strong? Do you have actions you routinely take at the end of every year that sets you up to start the new year strong? What works for you? What have you tried that doesn't? And what are the key issues you're focusing on?

This webinar features a panel discussion Micah Brassfield, Director of Advisory Services at TransPar Group; Jason Callahan, Transportation Coordinator at Amityville CSD, Amityville, NY; Donna Hackett, Transportation Supervisor at Pembroke CSD, Corfu, NY; Frank Klein, Director of Safety & Training Operations at Suffolk Transportation Service, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired December 15, 2022.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Trends in Transportation
In this webinar, we discuss with transportation leaders what they are experiencing today and what they are expecting to see in the future. As student transportation continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic, we hear what is coming next, such as electric buses, and whether the driver shortage will ever end. Issues related to attendance, cameras, discipline, assigned seating and more are addressed.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Cody Cox, director of transportation at Cleveland ISD in Texas; Stephanie Holes, routing coordinator at Corning-Painted Post School District in New York; Jenny Robinson, transportation manager at TransPar Group; Patrick McManamon, past president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS); Scott Wing, transportation manager at Cedar Rapids Community School District in Iowa, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired November 17, 2022.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Goals: How to Set, Keep and Adjust Goals
Whether you're new to the job or are a seasoned professional, you have goals for the new school year. What does a good school year look like (or dare we say a GREAT school year)? What areas do you want to improve upon? We talk with district transportation leaders about what's worked - and not worked - for them when setting goals, and how often they review and revise their goals. We'll also look at how goalsetting may have changed during the pandemic and driver shortage.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Amy Tiedens - Transportation Manager at Intermediate District 287 in Plymouth, MN; Alisa Roman - Nutrition & Transportation Director at Lewiston Public Schools, ME; Nick Martini - Coordinator of Transportation at Osseo Area Schools, MN; Marc Medina - Supervisor of Transportation at Farmingdale School District, NY and NYAPT President Elect; Mike Martin - Strategic Advisor and Brand Ambassador at National Association for Pupil Transportation, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired October 20, 2022.

Click here for Transfinder Best Practices: Back to School - Lessons We Learned and are Still Learning. The 2022-23 school year is off and running. How did you prepare for opening? What worked for you? What lessons did you learn? Are we back to normal pre-pandemic? How has your transportation changed over the last couple of years (for better or worse)?

This webinar features a panel discussion with Julee Arnall, Assistant Director of Transportation, Bakersfield City (CA) School District; Jason Hibbard - Coordinator of Transportation & Safety at Chenango Forks Central SD, NY; Greg Jackson - Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet Services at Jefferson County Public Schools, CO; Al Karam - Director of Transportation at Shenendehowa Central Schools, NY; Clara Bisallion – Transportation Supervisor at Scotia-Glenville CSD, NY, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired September 29, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Summer School Lessons - Plan for the Fall by Testing in the Summer. If you are looking to implement new technology or make other changes in your routing in the fall, summer school may be the best time to test your strategies with minimal impact on your staff and community. Whenever implementing change, you always have to account for the unknowns and potential snags. That’s why summer bus runs are the best time to test technologies and other initiatives: Fewer people are impacted if something needs to be tweaked. In this webinar we’ll talk to experts who prepared for the fall by test driving upcoming changes during the summer.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Julee Arnall, Assistant Director of Transportation, Bakersfield City (CA) School District; Jason Johnson, Assistant Director of Transportation, Horseheads Central (NY) School District; Clayton Randolph, Assistant Director of Transportation, North Montgomery (IN) Community School; Lori Ann Savino, Director of Transportation, Jericho (NY) School District; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired June 23, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Retirements and Turnover - Preparing for Transition. As transportation supervisors near retirement, many are opting to step down rather than stay on as a result of the pandemic and the challenges it has caused in the past two years. And it's not just supervisors. Drivers and other school transportation personnel are looking for the exit as well. But the kids still need transportation to school! So how can you prepare for this change? What tactics can your team take to create as orderly a transition as possible from the top down? In this webinar we'll discuss this challenge, succession planning and how to improve onboarding new personnel as well so they get up to speed fast.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Shannon Weber - Director of Transportation at Florence Unified SD, AZ; Katrina Falk - Director of Transportation at Shelby Eastern Schools, IN; Kristin Sercu - Head of Transportation at Pine Valley Central SD, NY; Brian Williams - Executive Director at Capital Region Workforce Development, NY; Bill Harvey - Director of Transportation and Security at Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired May 17, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Futurecasting - Planning and Budgeting for Next Year and Beyond You’re probably deep into planning for the 2022-23 school year. Are you dealing with budget issues, maybe related to fluctuating fuel costs? At the same time are you wanting to improve the technology you’re using? We know this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of things that dominate your future thinking and planning. These three issues – Planning for the next school year, Technology and Budget – topped your concerns in a recent poll of webinar attendees conducted by Transfinder Infomatics.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Bruce Berry, Director of Transportation, Black River Local School District, OH; Chad C. Welker, Business Manager, Twinsburg City School District, OH; Bill Harvey, Director of Transportation and Security, Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, NY; David Richardson, Transportation Director, Greece CSD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired April 26, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Communicate Part 2: Keeping Your Community Well Informed and On the Same Page. Communicating with your community is more critical today than ever. How does your community prefer to be communicated with? Email, text, parent app, social media? In this webinar we'll hear from school transportation leaders who will share Best Practices for communicating with their community, what works, what doesn't and why. This is the second in a two-part series focused on Communication.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Clara Bisaillon - Head Bus Driver at Scotia-Glenville CSD, NY; Julee Arnall - Assistant Director of Transportation at Bakersfield City SD, CA; Heidi Means - Transportation Supervisor at Brecksville-Broadview Heights City SD, OH; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired March 24, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Communicate - Keeping Your Team Upbeat, Up-to-Date and On the Same Page. We live in an era where you almost cannot overcommunicate with your team. In this webinar we will hear from school transportation leaders share Best Practices for communicating, what works, what doesn't and why. This topic was selected as the Number 1 issue among attendees at January's Transfinder-NYAPT Best Practices webinar. One way to "show" people you "heard" them is to act on what you've heard. Well, we've heard from attendees who answered our poll and now were acting!

This webinar features a panel discussion with Tracy Curry - Senior Bus Driver at Lyons Central SD, Lyons, NY; Donna Hackett - Transportation Supervisor at Pembroke Central SD, Corfu, NY; Cody Cox - Cleveland ISD, Cleveland, TX; Bill Harvey - Honeoye Falls - Lima Central School District, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired February 17, 2022.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: New Year, Fresh Start: Transporting Students in 2022. We will kick off the Best Practices webinar series with a look at the 2022 landscape and what to expect during these uncertain times. Hear from colleagues in the industry about how they are tackling transportation in the midst of a pandemic.

We will hear what's working, what tools they are using and what unique issues they may be facing as a result of the pandemic, the driver shortage and budgetary constraints.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Lori-Ann Savino - Jericho UFSD, NY; Cody Cox, Cleveland ISD, Cleveland, TX; Keith Paulson - Anoka-Hennepin SD, MN; Bill Harvey - Honeoye Falls - Lima Central School District, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired January 20, 2022.

Videos from 2021

Click here for NYS Best Practices: The Future of School Transportation: What to Expect in 2021 Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. They will also discuss what they are anticipating going forward. Panelists: Brad Conklin - School Business Official at Valley Central School District, Orange County, NY; Cheryl Russell - Transportation Director at Monroe-Woodbury CSD, NY; Bill Harvey - Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima CSD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, and Rick D’Errico - Transfinder's Director of Public Relations/Moderator. Originally aired January 28, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: The Future of School Transportation: What to Expect in 2021 – Part II Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. Topics in this webinar include - Ventilation on buses; Sports trip buses and supporting the return of athletics, and Vaccines: Tracking who's been vaccinated and what does it mean after the majority of staff have been vaccinated. Panelists: Bill Harvey - Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima CSD, NY; Ted Nugent - NYAPT President/Transportation Director, Coxsackie-Athens CSD; Rich Gallagher - Director of Transportation, Bay Shore UFSD; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator).Originally aired February 25, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: The Future of School Transportation: What to Expect in 2021 – Part III Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. Topics include - What's working in your transportation office?; What changes have you made?; What does the future look like in your department?, and What difference (if any) have vaccinations made? This webinar features a panel discussion with Casey Foster - Director of Transportation at Birmingham City Schools, AL; Jason Callahan - Transportation Coordinator at Amityville Union Free SD, NY; Bill Harvey - Director of Transportation and Security at Honeoye Falls-Lima SD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired March 25, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: What Does the CDC's Latest Requirements Mean for Transportation? Webinar. The Center for Disease Control recently released updated guidelines that effect schools. The New York Department of Health also updated school safety guidelines. On this webinar we will be discussing those changes and the impact those changes may or may not have on school transportation services. Topics include - What's working in your transportation office?; What changes have you made?; What does the future look like in your department?, and What difference (if any) have vaccinations made? This webinar features a panel discussion with Jason Callahan - Transportation Coordinator at Amityville Union Free SD, NY; Brian Trask - Transportation Director at Unatego Central School District, NY; Bill Harvey - Director of Transportation and Security at Honeoye Falls - Lima CSD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired May 20, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: What to Know to Prepare for Summer School and Fall Opening Webinar. The 2020-2021 school year is in the books. Now it's on to summer school and planning for the fall opening. Tune in tomorrow, June 17 to hear fellow colleagues share what the summer looks like for them, what went into their decisions and how they are planning for the fall.

Topics Include: How will this fall look compared with last fall? What worked in 2020 that you plan to continue to do in 2021? What changes are you making? This webinar features a panel discussion with William Alexander - Coordinator of Transportation - Akron Public Schools, OH; Daniel Taylor - Transportation Director - Columbia County School District, FL; Bill Harvey - Director of Transportation and Security at Honeoye Falls - Lima CSD, NY; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico - Transfinder Director of Public Relations (Moderator). Originally aired June 17, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Dealing with the Driver Shortage Webinar. The New York State School Boards Association just released data showing eight in 10 school districts across the state are bracing for a driver shortage. But it's not just a New York state issue as districts from coast to coast are struggling to find drivers. Hear fellow colleagues share how they are dealing with this challenge, what's worked and what hasn't. And be a part of the conversation by logging in and sharing your questions and experiences during a live chat with the panelists.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Joseph Cervone, Jr., Transportation Supervisor at Sachem Central School District; Matt Helmbold, Director of Transportation at Gates-Chili CSD; Jerry Keenan, Assistant Transportation Supervisor at Guilderland Central School District, New York; David Christopher, Executive Director, NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired July 29, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Why I Drive a School Bus Webinar. This webinar features another great conversation, this time with school bus drivers who will describe what they like about being a school bus driver, how they got involved, what misconceptions people may have and much, much more. Join David Christopher, executive director of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation, and a panel of school bus drivers who will share their tales from the road.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Shreevie Kenner, Jefferson County Public School District, Colorado; David Egleston, West Des Moines Community Schools, Iowa; Glen Buckley, Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, New York; Kelly Domville - Albert, Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, New York; David Christopher, Executive Director, NYAPT, and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired August 12, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Pathway to Health: Tips on Being Upbeat - During the Pandemic Webinar. The 2021-2022 school year may be even more challenging than last year. While schools are open, uncertainty looms and rules and policies continue to change during this ever-changing environment. All this can take its toll on you and your team. How do you stay the course, remain upbeat and stay healthy in the midst of the pandemic? Hear transportation leaders who share their own stories, what's worked for them and maybe some approaches that didn't work too. As we know, no two people are the same, no two districts are the same and so what works for one person or district may not work for another.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Bill Harvey at Honeoye Falls - Lima Central School District; Dawn Russell at Monroe-Woodbury Central School District; Kristin Sercu at Pine Valley Central School District; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired November 9, 2021.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Looking Back/Forward: Lessons Learned in 2021, Expectations for 2022. Our panelists are from around the country, as transportation professionals you all shared the same lessons and successes, this webinar is for everyone. During this special webinar we will discuss key lessons learned in 2021 that apply to 2022. Plus, we will also discuss what to expect in 2022.

This webinar features a panel discussion with Mark Medina - Herricks UFSD, NY; Lori-Ann Savino - Jericho UFSD, NY; Steve Lake - Southwest Allen County SD, IN; Katrina Falk - Shelby Eastern Schools, Shelbyville, IN; Kristi Edwards - Livingstone Range School Division, Alberta, Canada; David Christopher - Executive Director of NYAPT, NY and Rick D'Errico, Director of Public Relations at Transfinder. Originally aired December 16, 2021.

VIDEOS FROM 2020

“The NAPT and Transfinder Present: Best Practices: COVID-19 – Navigating Uncharted Territory – Parts I - IV” Webinars?

The National Association for Pupil Transportation and Transfinder are partnering together to present “Best Practices: COVID-19 – Navigating Uncharted Territory.” This is a multi-part series presenting how to best serve our communities during these difficult times. We will share tips from some of the most innovative districts that you can put into practice now to help your families.

Best Practices - PART I Webinar looks at Goal Setting, Communication and Taking Inventory of Your Technology. Click here for The Best Practices - PART I Webinar. Originally aired March 24, 2020.

Best Practices - PART II Webinar looks at National Guidelines, Compliance, Communication and Taking Inventory of Your Technology. Click here for The Best Practices - PART II Webinar. Originally aired March 31, 2020.

Best Practices - PART III Webinar looks at the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and what it may mean for your school. Click here for the Best Practices - PART III Webinar. Originally aired April 7, 2020.

Best Practices - PART IV Webinar discusses best practices, lessons learned, budgets and what's ahead. Joining us for this discussion are representatives from NAPT, NASDPTS, and NSTA. Click here for the Best Practices - PART IV Webinar. Click here for the Q&A from the PART IV Webinar. Originally aired April 14, 2020.

Click here for Countdown to Reopening: Expert Insights on Preparing for the Future While Dealing with Uncertainty Webinar - It seems like every week - sometimes even every day - we hear news about schools' plans for reopening. Some schools are planning for hybrid approaches to education, with some online classes and some in-person classes. Some schools are looking to split up the student body, assigning certain students on certain days. Social distancing on the bus is still a big discussion but some districts say they won’t even attempt to social distance on the bus. What's the latest?

Panelists include: Micah Brassfield, Director of Transpar Group of Companies; Katrina Falk, Director of Transportation of Shelby Eastern Schools, IN; Cody Cox, Director of Transportation & Maintenance of Community ISD, TX and Ken Easley Jr., Bus Transportation Director of Centralia City School District, IL. Click here for the Decision-Making Framework. Originally aired July 14, 2020.

Click here for Countdown to Reopening: Expert Insights on Preparing for the Future While Dealing with Uncertainty Part II Webinar - It seems like every week - sometimes even every day - we hear news about schools' plans for reopening. Some schools are planning for hybrid approaches to education, with some online classes and some in-person classes. What's the latest?

Panelists include: Greg Jackson, Executive Director of Transportation & Fleet Services of Jefferson Co. Public Schools, CO; Glenn Sykes, Director of Transportation of Alamosa School District, CO; Mark Lindstrom, GM - Hawaii Office of TransPar Group of Companies, and Lisa Casey, Director of Transportation of Summit School District, CO. Click here for the presentation slides. Originally aired July 21, 2020.

Click here for Countdown to Reopening: Expert Insights on Preparing for the Future While Dealing with Uncertainty Part III Webinar - It seems like every week - sometimes even every day - we hear news about schools' plans for reopening. Some schools are planning for hybrid approaches to education, with some online classes and some in-person classes. What's the latest?

Panelists include: William Andexler, Coordinator of Transportation at Akron Public Schools in Ohio; Lisa Casey, Director of Transportation at Summit School District in Colorado, and Chad Welker, Business Manager at Twinsburg City School District in Ohio. Click here for the presentation slides. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired July 28, 2020.

Other documents shared by Akron Public Schools, OH:

Click here for Countdown to Reopening: Expert Insights on Preparing for the Future While Dealing with Uncertainty Part IV Webinar - It seems like every week - sometimes even every day - we hear news about schools' plans for reopening. Some schools are planning for hybrid approaches to education, with some online classes and some in-person classes. What's the latest?

Panelists include: Tim Ammon of Decision Support Group and a member of the STARTS Task Force; Kristi Edwards, Transportation Secretary at Livingstone Range Schools in Alberta, Canada, and Keith Paulson, Transportation Supervisor at Anoka-Hennepin Schools in Minnesota. Click here for the presentation slides. Originally aired August 4, 2020.

Click here for Countdown to Reopening: Expert Insights on Preparing for the Future While Dealing with Uncertainty Part V Webinar - It seems like every week - sometimes even every day - we hear news about schools' plans for reopening. Some schools are planning for hybrid approaches to education, with some online classes and some in-person classes. What's the latest?

Panelists include: Lisa Huppe, Transportation Director at Oyster River Cooperative School District in Durham, NH; Nancy Clavette, Dispatcher at Oyster River Cooperative School District, and Steve Lake, Transportation Director at Soutwest Allen County Schools in Fort Wayne, IN. Click here for the presentation slides. Originally aired August 11, 2020.

Click here for the From the Front Lines: School Bus Drivers Discuss Being On the Road Again Webinar Across the nation schools are starting up again. In this webinar we speak to the frontline workers, the school bus drivers. What are their thoughts as they hit the road? We hear what they’ve done to prepare for reopening and what they personally are doing to get ready and stay safe.

Panelists include: Tom Dubois at Honeoye Falls-Lima CSD, NY; Laurie Kearney at Pembroke CSD, NY; Belinda Govich at Shenendehowa Centrals Schools, NY; Kristi May at Liberty Community School District, IL, and Dan Hanley at Brown Transportation – Schenectady City School District, NY. Originally aired August 18, 2020.

Going Back to School Before the Kids Webinar discusses managing people and their schedules from a remote workplace, driver recruitment and retention during the pandemic, what does "social distancing" look like when a school bus is involved, changing personal, school and student schedules to accommodate social distancing. Click here for the webinar. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired April 21, 2020.

Going Back to School Before the Kids - Part II Webinar focuses on the five things the public and private sector need to do right now to prepare themselves properly for the return to school. What are those five things? Hear panelists Tim Ammon and Tom Platt, owners of the Decision Support Group, and Mike Martin, executive director of the National Association for Pupil Transportation discuss these priorities as well as three predictions that are critical to your success. Click here for the webinar. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired April 28, 2020.

Going Back to School Before the Kids - An Actual Return to School Roadmap - Part I Webinar features NAPT’s Region 3 Director Brad Aemisegger as he explains and shares his “Return to School Roadmap”, developed in conjunction with James P. Regan of Capital Works Consulting. Click here for the webinar. Click here for the “Return to School Roadmap” PDF. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired May 5, 2020.

Going Back to School Before the Kids - An Actual Return to School Roadmap - Part II Webinar NAPT’s Region 3 Director Brad Aemisegger returns with James P. Regan of Capital Works Consulting to explain and share his “Return to School Roadmap.” Click here for the webinar. Click here for the “Return to School Roadmap - Part II” PDF. Click here for the Roadmap Elements. Click here for the School Transportaton Readiness Plan Questions. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired May 13, 2020.

*This presentation is proprietary and confidential information of Transfinder Corporation. It is not intended to be distributed to any third party without the written consent of Transfinder.

Transfinder-NAPT - Planning for School Reopening: Will the Best Laid Plans Really Work? - Part I Webinar This webinar features an all-star panel exploring the many questions that will come up as you move forward towards a return to school. Questions such as… Will social distancing on a school bus really work? How are you going to provide additional service with the same number of drivers and the same number of buses? Can you afford to clean everything every day, maybe even more than once? Can you afford not to? And what is working now as we prepare for these and other contingencies? Click here for the webinar. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired May 20, 2020.

Transfinder-NAPT - Planning for School Reopening: Will the Best Laid Plans Really Work? - Part II Webinar This webinar is the second part featuring another all-star panel exploring the many questions that will come up as you move forward towards a return to school. Click here for the webinar. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Click here for the presentation slides. Click here for the CDC Guidelines Presented by NAPT Executive Director Mike Martin. Originally aired May 26, 2020.

Click here for Planning for School Reopening: Getting a Seat at the Table with Decisionmakers Webinar School districts across the country are planning when to reopen school and what the new school year will look like. Will there be a tiered system? Will there be a hybrid of online and in-class instruction? What challenges exist for transportation offices as they consider a myriad of “what if” scenarios to meet the needs of transportation children to and from school? Are transportation leaders at the table when these decisions are being made so ramifications are clearly understood? If not, how can transportation have a place at the table? Our panelists will share best practices on becoming a valued advisor to decisionmakers. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Click here for the presentation slides. Originally aired June 2, 2020.

Click here for Planning for School Reopening – STARTS Task Force Update Webinar The NAPT, NSTA and the NASDPTS have agreed that there was a need for clarity and alignment around the role of school transportation in the current COVID environment. The three organizations decided to form a collaborative task force to conduct focused research and develop a set of guidelines within a framework that would be meaningful for the member constituencies of the three organizations as well as the educational community at large. Click here for the presentation slides. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired June 9, 2020.

Click here for Planning for School Reopening – STARTS Task Force Update Part 2 Webinar The NAPT, NSTA and the NASDPTS have agreed that there was a need for clarity and alignment around the role of school transportation in the current COVID environment. The three organizations decided to form a collaborative task force to conduct focused research and develop a set of guidelines within a framework that would be meaningful for the member constituencies of the three organizations as well as the educational community at large. Click here for the presentation slides. Originally aired June 23, 2020.

Click here for Does Reopening Schools Require Rethinking Special Needs Transportation? Webinar As districts plan to reopen school in the fall with the challenges created by social distancing, what are some issues to consider when transporting students with special needs? What are experts saying about how-to best care for those with special needs? What will Special Needs transportation look like in the 2020-2021 school year? Click here for the presentation slides. PBIS World - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Suports resource website - Click here. Originally aired June 16, 2020.

Did You Miss a Previous “NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19” Webinar?

The New York State Association for Pupil Transportation and Transfinder have partnered together to present a webinar series where we will speak with New York State authorities to address questions regarding compliance and industry experts who share Best Practices in how to serve our communities and maintain operations during these difficult times.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART I” Webinar. This webinar features a panel discussion with Paul Overbaugh, State Director of Pupil Transportation with the New York State Department of Education; Christina Coughlin, Assistant Commissioner at the NYS Department of Education and Kathy Furneaux, Executive Director at Pupil Transportation Safety Institute. Click here for the Q&A from the NYS Best Practices Webinar – PART I. Originally aired April 2, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART II” Webinar. This webinar is PART II of a series and features a panel discussion with Paul Overbaugh, State Director of Pupil Transportation with the New York State Department of Education; Christina Coughlin, Assistant Commissioner at the NYS Department of Education and Kathy Furneaux, Executive Director at Pupil Transportation Safety Institute. Originally aired April 16, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART III” Webinar. This webinar is PART III of a series and features a panel discussion with Robert Reichenbach, President of the NYS Bus Distributor Association; Bill Harvey, NYAPT Legislative Committee Chair – Transportation Supervisor/Director of Security at Honeoye Falls - Lima CSD; Christina Coughlin, Assistant Commissioner at the New York State Education Department, and Dave Christopher, Executive Director at NYAPT. Originally aired April 30, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART IV” Webinar. This webinar is PART IV of a series and features a panel discussion with Richard Gallagher - Past NYAPT President and current Safety Committee Chair - Bayshore School - Long Island; Bill Harvey - NYAPT Legislative Committee Chair - Transportation Supervisor/Director of Security at Honeoye Falls - Lima CSD; Theresa Anderson - TM Anderson Consulting, LLC, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director at NYAPT. Click here for a PDF version of the presentation. Click here for the Q&A from the webinar. Originally aired May 14, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART V” Webinar. This webinar is PART V of a series featuring a panel discussion on how to clean and disinfect buses in preparation for school re-opening and during session. Panelists include: Bill Harvey - NYAPT Legislative Committee Chair - Transportation Supervisor/Director of Security at Honeoye Falls - Lima CSD; Jason Johnston - President of the New York Head Mechanics Association Jonathan Scherzer - Capital District Transit Authority; Jeff Jones - Certified Environmental Service Technician Trainer; Certified in Infection Prevention and trained in Cleaning Industry Management Standards, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director at NYAPT. Originally aired May 28, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART VI” Webinar. This webinar is PART VI of a series featuring a panel discussion on “Managing Stress and Understanding Mental Health Concerns in the COVID-19 Era.” We have assembled a panel with expertise on the topic to discuss that issue, including: Panel members are: John Cooney - Certified Mental Health - First Aid USA Trainer; Lori-Ann Savino - Transportation Director - Jericho Central School District; Danielle Smith - School Psychologist - Jericho Central School District, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director at NYAPT. Click here for the PDF version of the presentation. Originally aired June 11, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART VII” Webinar (Audio Only). This webinar is titled “NYAPT Town Hall Meeting - Resuming Transportation Services.” We have assembled a panel with expertise on the topic to discuss that issue, including: Panel members are: Bill Harvey - Co-Chair - NYAPT Task Force of Resuming Transportation Operations; Rich Gallagher - Co-Chair - NYAPT Task Force of Resuming Transportation Operations; Frank Klein - Suffolk Transportation; Brian Trask - Unatego Central School District, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director – NYAPT. Click here for the PDF version of the presentation. Originally aired August 6, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Navigating Uncharted Territory Caused by COVID-19 – PART VIII” Webinar. This webinar is titled “Recovering, Rebuilding and Renewing: The Spirit of New York Schools.” We have assembled a panel with expertise on the topic to discuss that issue, including: Panel members are: Bill Harvey - Co-Chair - NYAPT Task Force of Resuming Transportation Operations and Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima Central School District; Rich Gallagher - Co-Chair - NYAPT Task Force of Resuming Transportation Operations and Transportation Director at Bay Shore Schools; Donna Hackett - Transportation Director at Pembroke Central School District; John Spacht - Transportation Director at Southwestern Central School District, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director – NYAPT. Click here for a PDF version of the presentation. Originally aired August 13, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Schools Are Open - Now What? Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts. They will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. Panelists include: Bill Harvey - Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima CSD - Rochester area; Tony Quaranta - Transportation Director at Owego Apalachin CSD - Southern Tier; Marc Medina - Transportation Director at Farmingdale SD - Nassau, Long Island, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director – NYAPT. Originally aired October 1, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Schools Are Open - Now What? Part 2 Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts. They will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. Panelists include: Bill Harvey - Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima CSD - Rochester area; Kathleen Callon - Transportation Director at East Irondequoit CSD - Rochester Area; Lori-Ann Savino - Transportation Director at Jericho Schools - Long Island, and Dave Christopher - Executive Director – NYAPT. Originally aired October 15, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: Schools Are Open - Now What? Part 3 Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts. They will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. Panelists include: Bill Harvey - Transportation Director at Honeoye-Lima CSD, NY; Al Valachovic - Transportation Supervisor at Schenectady SD, NY; Richard Gallagher - Transportation Director/Purchasing Agent at Bay Shore UFSD, NY; Dave Christopher - Executive Director – NYAPT, and Rick D’Errico - Transfinder's Director of Public Relations/Moderator. Originally aired October 29, 2020.

Click here for NYS Best Practices: The Future of School Transportation: What to Expect Webinar. NYAPT has convened a panel of school transportation directors who have successfully opened schools in their respective districts will discuss lessons learned, problems encountered - and share in their successes as well. They will also discuss what they are anticipating going forward. Panelist: Jim Loveless - Transportation Director at Ball Chatham School District, IL Denise Towne - Transportation Director at North Colonie Central School District, NY Randy Jerreld - Transportation Director at Rotterdam-Mohonasen Central Schools, NY Ted Nugent - President of NYAPT, Coxsackie-Athens CSD, NY and Rick D’Errico - Transfinder's Director of Public Relations/Moderator. Originally aired November 12, 2020.

*This presentation is proprietary and confidential information of Transfinder Corporation. It is not intended to be distributed to any third party without the written consent of Transfinder.

Covering COVID-19: Leading Media Covering K12 Share Stories and Lessons Learned from the Frontlines

The coronavirus has impacted nearly every facet of American life. One of the hardest hit areas is our educational system. With schools closing, teachers overnight became online instructors. School buses became hubs for food distribution and Wi-Fi hotspots.

Click here for the “Covering COVID-19: Leading Media Covering K12 Share Stories and Lessons Learned from the Frontlines” Webinar." Hear from journalists on the frontlines on overseeing news operations covering these issues. Panelists include Robert Avossa, Senior Vice President at LRP Media Group (District Administration magazine); Micah Castelo, Associate Editor at EdTech; Nicole Schlosser, Executive Editor at School Bus Fleet magazine, and Ryan Gray, Editor-in-Chief at School Transportation News. Originally aired May 7, 2020.

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