New board members provide perspectives for 2008

At the NAPT conference in Grand Rapids, Mich., last fall, new members were elected to the association’s board of directors. Here, two incoming board members discuss goals and challenges for their tenure.

David Anderson
NAPT Region 5 Director,
Adams 12 Five Star Schools,
Broomfield, Colo.

What do you see as NAPT’s biggest opportunity in 2008?
The biggest opportunity in 2008 will be to increase membership of NAPT with individual registrations and work with state organizations to join on a state level.

The potential for growth is there, but we must actively pursue it. We can accomplish this by showing the value of joining NAPT to those potential members through our education programs and our yearly conference.

What do you see as NAPT’s largest challenge?
The biggest challenge on our horizon is educating the public on seat belts and their use in relation to school buses built in the U.S. We have made inroads, but many people still do not understand the benefits of compartmentalization.

Also, we need to continue working with our government to make decisions on a scientific level, not emotional public pressure decisions.

What is the most pressing issue in pupil transportation in your particular field — either regionally or nationally?
One of the most pressing issues today is bus driver retention, which continues to be a factor in our state. Although it’s better than it was five years ago, it is still a concern.

Budgets also are a major concern. With school districts in Colorado being grossly underfunded, they are left to struggle along the best they can. Educating our children should be the most important item we can do in our lives, but politicians do not feel the same way — thus the underfunding persists.

What do you hope to add to the NAPT community and board of directors in 2008?
I would hope to add to the community and board my 27 years of experience in pupil transportation and fleet maintenance to help as many members as I can while learning from them as well. Life needs to be a continual learning process.

What are you most looking forward to this year as an NAPT board member?
I am looking forward to meeting new people in our organization, extending my knowledge, working with the other board members and traveling to new places.

Additionally, I consider it a great honor to serve on the NAPT board of directors. I will do my part to promote our organization on a state, regional and national level.

Linda Bluth, Ed.D.
NAPT President-Elect,
Maryland State Department of Education,
Baltimore

What do you see as NAPT’s biggest opportunity in 2008?
To continue to reach out to the membership to meet their needs to safely transport students across our nation. This includes following and reviewing the impact of federal legislation on school districts and the vendor community and providing exemplary professional growth for the membership.

What do you see as NAPT’s largest challenge?
Balancing its responsibilities with limited resources, including a volunteer board of directors, for diversified stakeholders in both a fair and equitable manner.

What is the most pressing issue in pupil transportation in your particular field — either regionally or nationally?
Meeting the cost restraints and balancing safe transportation for students with and without disabilities.

What do you hope to add to the NAPT community and board of directors in 2008?
Enthusiasm, moving forward with the membership needs, and including all of the vital players in the transportation community in the decision-making process.

What are you most looking forward to this year as an NAPT board member?
Learning, and contributing my expertise to the benefit of the organization. Furthermore, it is a privilege to join a board of directors with years of experience in better serving the transportation industry.