Mike Simmons - the former president of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services who stepped up to lead the association once again in 2022 - has resigned from his position as state director of school transportation in Arkansas. As a result, NASDPTS bylaws required his resignation as association president.

He's been succeeded by Mike Stier, state director of transportation in Illinois.

"We thank Mike (Simmons) for his years of service to the school transportation industry and to NASDPTS," Stier said in a message to association members. "Mike served as president of NASDPTS twice and we are incredibly grateful for his dedication."

Stier had been serving as NASDPTS president-elect prior to Simmons' resignation. Under the bylaws, Stier automatically transitioned to president, leaving a vacancy at president-elect. The NASDPTS board consulted with the executive committee on June 4 and unanimously approved Tyler Bryan, state director in Delaware and current Eastern Region Representative of NASDPTS, to become president-elect. Bryan also was in the spotlight as one of School Bus Fleet's inaugural school transportation Trailblazers.

That region will meet in the coming days to determine who should fill Bryan's shoes as their representative.

Simmons' retirement also means that he can't serve as past president on the NASDPTS board. Pat McManamon of Vermont has offered to remain on the board to fill that role.

"Congratulations to Tyler on his new role and thank you to Pat for his continued service," Stier said.