Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge for school districts and has implications for student success, district funding, and equity outcomes. This session explores three actionable, student-centric strategies that help district leaders connect attendance outcomes with coordinated decision-making, timing, and cross-department alignment.
Drawing on real district examples and multi-role expertise, panelists will share practical insights that support sustainable attendance improvements across student services, transportation, and executive leadership teams.
The 3 Key Strategies
Viewing transportation through an attendance lens: Explore how reliability, timing, and continuity influence attendance patterns — especially for students with complex needs.
Including transportation expertise earlier in student-level decisions: Understand how earlier integration in placement, IEP, and housing decisions supports continuity and reduces avoidable disruption.
Strengthening governance and cross-team communication: Learn approaches to align expectations, documentation, and coordination across departments to sustain attendance improvements.
Bonus: Download the Leadership Discussion Guide: Student-Centric Transportation & Attendance, a practical resource designed to support district leaders and operational teams as they navigate evolving transportation realities and align around a shared goal of reducing chronic absenteeism.
Speakers:
Jim Ellis
Director of Pupil Transportation, Henrico County Public Schools (VA)
Jim is a respected leader in pupil transportation with more than three decades of experience in public education operations. A NAPT-certified Director of Pupil Transportation since 2008, Jim has served in key leadership roles across Virginia and North Carolina, including President of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association. Since 2020, Jim has served as Director of Pupil Transportation for Henrico County Public Schools, where he has led operational improvements, safety enhancements, and innovative practices to better serve students and families.
Lisa Abernathey
Education Specialist-McKinney-Vento, Henrico County Public Schools (VA)
Lisa Ann has served students who are at-risk in Henrico County Public schools since 2010. During her with the McKinney-Vento team, she has focused on streamlining data collection and developing a robust program of professional development. Along with her team, she is dedicated to increasing attendance and engagement for students experiencing housing instability. For their approach to student engagement and attendance, the team with which she serves is a two-time award recipient from the National Association of Counties and had their work highlighted by Attendance Works. She was a member of the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Advisory Panel and currently serves on the National Customer Advisory Board for EverDriven Transportation.
Greg Jackson
Former Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet Services, Jefferson County School District (CO), General Manager of School Bus Services, EverDriven
Greg Jackson served as the executive director of transportation and fleet services for Jefferson County School District in Colorado for a decade. One of the largest districts in the state, Jackson oversaw 750 vehicles, 257 bus routes, 305 drivers, and four bus terminals, ensuring that nearly 14,000 students were safely transported to and from school and activities. The district benefited from Jackson’s charismatic leadership style and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, families, and vendors. Before this position, he served as a transportation director, terminal manager, supervisor, and fleet coordinator for various districts and companies, giving him unique insight into all facets of transportation. His experience includes knowledge about legislation and law concerning student safety, budgetary requirements, and best practices.
