Candidate for President-Elect

• William Tousley, CDPT

• Supervisor of Transportation

• Farmington (Mich.) Public Schools

  I believe that safety is the first priority of any transportation system. We need to make sure that the children entrusted to us arrive at their destination — be it home, school or an activity trip — safely. This trust is a fragile thing that needs reinforcement through honest and open communication and consistent actions. Parents and school administrators expect us to provide just that.

  I firmly believe that transportation professionals who share information typically are those who do their jobs better. Participating in regional, state and national groups is a great way to share information with colleagues. I’ve tried to stay involved in industry events and activities.

  I also believe a successful transportation professional leads by example. Active members of local, state and national organizations become leaders in their districts and in their communities because they can provide the latest information and the newest methods to reinforce safe operations practices.

  I’ve been an NAPT member for nearly two decades. I’ve tried to be as active as possible on committees, and have consistently attended NAPT conferences and other workshops. At every one, I make an effort to talk with other transportation professionals and learn as much as I can. The payback has been enormous.

  As a result, I want to give something back to the NAPT and its membership. I seek to do this by running for president-elect. In this position, I’d focus on the strengths of our regional infrastructure and work to find creative ways for members to unite to solve common problems. I’d also focus on the next generation of industry leaders and develop a plan to mentor new people joining our profession.

  These are a few of the ideas I have. I’m very willing to listen to yours. Working together, we can help all members grow even more as professionals. I look forward to being of service to the NAPT and to the profession that’s given me so much.

  Candidate for Director — Region 2

• John Hazelette

• Director of Transportation

• Norfolk (Va.) Public Schools

  My entire career has been in the public sector and dedicated to safety.

  Prior to working with Norfolk Public Schools, I served as Superintendent of Traffic Operations for the city of Norfolk. In that role, my focus was on pedestrian and vehicular safety. In 1990, that shifted to school operations and the safety of our children on or off the school bus.

  I’ve served in my state association, the Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation, in a variety of capacities, including various committee chairs, secretary, vice president and president. I believe that it’s at the state level that so much can be accomplished, but we need our national body to speak as one for all of us on the major issues.

  With the growing threat to our security, I have a strong interest in advancing that cause and working with not only the NAPT board and membership, but also with the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services and the National School Transportation Association to ensure that school transporters have a place at the table and that our concerns are heard.

  Our current board has done a great job in getting this initiative off the ground. As a member of the NAPT Public Policy Committee, I was privileged to be a part of the historic meeting in Washington, D.C., where the “Big 3” (NAPT, NASDPTS and NSTA) came together to advance a joint cause. It’s my desire to be a part of that continuing effort and to keep the momentum going.

  Candidate for Director — Region 4

• Willie Tarleton

• Director of Transportation

• Midland (Texas) Independent School District

  I am honored to have been nominated to run for a second term on the NAPT Board of Directors. My previous three years of service on the board has been a great learning process and will enable me to be a more effective and vital member. My involvement in NAPT activities over the past 23 years qualifies me as a verifiable nominee for this national office. Here are just a few of my achievements:

• Since joining the association in 1981 and attending my first NAPT conference in Albuquerque, N.M., I’ve attended almost every NAPT conference to date. I’m currently a member of the board and serve as chair of the Safety Speech Contest and Resolutions Committees.

• I served as president of the Oklahoma Association for Pupil Transportation and several years on the Board of Directors.

• I’ve been a member of the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation since 1998, when I moved to Texas and have attended all the association’s conferences.

• I’ve attended several Southeastern States Pupil Transportation Conferences.

  I know that teamwork is the key to any organization. I’m an open-minded team player and a person who understands that staff need the support of the board to do their jobs. I also know that membership is the lifeblood of any organization, and new members bring fresh ideas.

  In closing, I have a genuine desire to be re-elected to the Board of Directors for this prestigious organization. I will work hard to justify the confidence that NAPT members have in my commitment to the success of our organization.