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OPTA Leadership Summit, sponsored by OPTA Northwest Chapter. The Leadership Summit, scheduled for Monday, June 22nd and Tuesday, June 23rd is for decision makers (Directors, Managers, Supervisors) and their direct influencers (Lead Mechanics, Driver Trainers, Assistant Supervisors). You will have time with various vendors in small groups, while receiving leadership training. This event requires a paid conference registration.

Leadership Summit Speakers/Topics:

• Monday, June 22nd:

  • “Refresh the BTW Trainer” - Chris Carley and Chris Ellison

  • “Tyler Technologies User Group” - Liz Waldron/Tyler Technologies

  • “Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on the School Bus” - Kaya Emerick

  • TBA - Additional SPED Training

  • “Hands-On Mechanic/Technician Workshop” - TBA

• Tuesday, June 23rd:

  • “Beating Chronic Burnout” and “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” - George Carroll

OPTA Conference Schedule:

• Monday, June 22nd - Leadership Summit, Golf Tournament, and Vendor Welcome Reception

• Tuesday, June 23rd - Leadership Summit, OPTA Conference Starts, Keynote Speaker, Roundtable Forum Sessions, and OPTA Fun Night (sponsored by Model1, Peterson Trucks, Schetky NW, and Western Bus Sales) - Theme: TBA

• Wednesday, June 24th - Keynote Speaker, General Sessions, Trade Show, and the Annual OPTA Awards Banquet (semi-formal attire requested)

• Thursday, June 25th - Keynote Speaker and Breakouts

Keynote Speakers:

• Jake French: “Roll With It” and “Attitude, Not Answers”

• Betsey Helfrich: “Avoiding Bumps and Legal Hazards in SPED Transportation” and “Legal Parameters of Using and Accessing Video Footage”

General Session & Breakout Speakers (subject to change):

• Tanya Adams, David Douglas SD

• Shonna Bumgarner, ODE

• Chris Carley, First Student/Lincoln Co. SD

• Brock Dittus, ODE

• Chris Ellison, Reynolds SD

• Kaya Emerick, First Student/Gresham-Barlow SD

• Bethiah Gunderson, North Clackamas SD

• Cliff Harrell, Beaverton SD

• David Jorgenson, Salem-Keizer SD

• Chris Mather, Bend-LaPine SD

• Yarelli Miranda, ODE

• Meghan Morgan, North Clackamas SD

• Amber Nash, South Lane SD

• Lesley Reeves, ODE

• Cory Samuelson, ODE

THE OPTA ROOM BLOCK AT THE SALISHAN COASTAL LODGE IS NOW OPEN!

The Salishan Coastal Lodge Information: $206/night single/double occupancy. Deluxe rooms are also available for an additional cost. Call 866.258.6127, option 1 then 2, and mention “OPTA 2026 Conference” to receive your special OPTA discounted rate, or visit 2026 OPTA Room Reservations. These rates are guaranteed until 5/21/2026!