NAPT's new leader tackles 5 questions on early goals
At the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s (NAPT) conference in Austin last month, Lenny Bernstein began his two-year tenure as the group’s president, taking the reins from Steve Kalmes.
At the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s (NAPT) conference in Austin last month, Lenny Bernstein began his two-year tenure as the group’s president, taking the reins from Steve Kalmes.
Bernstein, who also serves as transportation coordinator for Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District in Garnerville, N.Y., discussed with SCHOOL BUS FLEET his early goals for the tenure and his thoughts on the conference. For more from Bernstein, see his president’s message in this issue.
SBF: Now that you’ve taken over as president of NAPT, what’s the first item on your to-do list?
BERNSTEIN: It was to arrange my calendar for the coming year. It seems that once you become president, all of a sudden you need to be in a lot of different places at different times. I just want to make sure that I can get to everywhere I need to be.
How difficult will it be for you to juggle your job responsibilities with your NAPT responsibilities?
I’m very fortunate that I have a great staff in my district. I also have unbelievable support from the district administration. They realize how important it is for me to be involved. At the same time, I have a great executive director at NAPT and the involvement of the board of directors. We’re all on the same page. It’s the classic team-effort approach.
What do you see as the association’s greatest strength?
Our greatest strength is the number of members that we have and, along with that, their sincere dedication to our industry.
Where do you think NAPT could improve most?
I really think we can and will improve in our communication to our membership. It’s at a good point, but we want to make it a whole lot better. We’re going to be offering a lot of different things to improve it.
What was the highlight of the event in Austin?
Standing in front of our membership to accept the presidency and having my family and friends there along with me. At the same time, it was great for me to honor [outgoing president] Steve Kalmes in my first official act. He’s been very, very helpful in making this a smooth transition.
More Management
Beyond Two-Way Radios: School Bus Communications Evolve With Push-to-Talk Over Cellular
PRYME Radio and PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free radio use and reduce distracted driving. See how PoC compares with traditional radios on range, cost, safety, and connectivity.
Read More →
Have School Districts Adapted to Bus Driver Shortages or Simply Accepted Less Service?
According to a recent report from HopSkipDrive, many districts appear to have recalibrated what "normal" transportation service looks like.
Read More →
Reliable Transportation Linked to Better Student Outcomes, New EverDriven Study Finds
See why new research suggests transportation consistency improves student outcomes while influencing attendance, funding, IEP compliance, and family trust.
Read More →
Switzer-CARTY Enters the U.S. with New Acquisition
The Canadian contractor’s acquisition of Minnesota-based Agnes Corporation marks its first cross-border expansion into the United States and adds 350 vehicles.
Read More →
BusRight Adds New Rider Tracking Technology
Safety Pass is an NFC-based student ridership tracking solution that provides real-time boarding and drop-off data to improve school bus safety and family communication.
Read More →
EverDriven Launches RideAware App With Real-Time Student Ride Visibility
The updated platform’s new features improve communication among caregivers, districts, and drivers while streamlining trip updates.
Read More →
How School Transportation Departments Can Help Acclimate New Riders to the Bus
Here's how transportation departments can turn first-day jitters into confidence for students and parents alike.
Read More →
Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Nearly 90 Years of Safely Transporting Wisconsin Students
From one farmer's act of service to a fourth-generation family business, Kobussen Buses reflects on nearly 90 years of earning the trust of Wisconsin families.
Read More →
Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.
Read More →
NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees
The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.
Read More →