ALBANY, N.Y. — Marion Edick, New York state’s director of pupil transportation services, retired from her post on Dec. 30.

During Edick’s tenure, physical performance tests for school bus drivers were implemented and several programs were developed through the $400,000 training fund, including master instructor trainings and continuation of the PDS program. In addition, statutorily required training regarding special-needs students, and for school bus attendants and monitors, was implemented.

“Throughout my thirty-seven year career in public service, I have had the privilege of knowing and serving with many wonderful and dedicated individuals, but none finer than those who have chosen to work in pupil transportation,” Edick wrote in a letter that was shared on Dec. 30. “Your passion and dedication for protecting our children is infectious, and it truly infected me. I will cherish the memory of those times and all we were able to accomplish together.”

Edick went on to say in the letter that the next state director has her “sincerest best wishes” and that she knows this individual will have many knowledgeable and supportive people in school districts and in private enterprise to join with in continuing service to the children and people of New York state.

The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) expressed its congratulations to Edick in response to the news of her retirement.

“We wish Marion all the best in her retirement and welcome her to join us for our conferences and events. She was a recipient of the Friend of NYAPT award, and we appreciate all she has done ‘for the children’ and with our profession,” the association said in a statement.