NAPT News & Views — Barry Sudduth picks a superpower, new name
To shed some light on the personalities that make up the National Association for Pupil Transportation board of directors, the association has launched a series of board member profiles. Here, we hear from Barry Sudduth.
Barry Sudduth says that he finds Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture fascinating because of the range of emotions it displays.
To shed some light on the personalities that make up the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) board of directors, the association has launched a series of board member profiles. Here, we hear from Barry Sudduth, NAPT Region 2 director and supervisor of bus operations at Prince William County Public Schools in Bristow, Va.
If you could take back one sentence you’ve ever spoken, what would it be?
BARRY SUDDUTH: If I could take back one sentence that I have ever spoken, it would be “Supersize it, please!” This phrase has been spoken by me many times, and now I am supersized!
If you had to choose a first name other than your own, what would it be?
I have never given this question any thought, but I have always liked the name “Bubba.” I picture a Bubba as a no-nonsense, hard-working person who appreciates the simpler things in life.
If you ruled the world, what’s the first thing you would change, and why?
If I ruled the world, the first thing I would change would be my clothes. Nothing I own fits in the world-ruler style!
If you had a superpower, what would it be? And what would you do with it?
If I had a superpower, it would be the ability to see the consequences of my actions. I would use it to make much better judgment calls. That way I would not have to spend so much time saying, “That was the wrong thing to say!”
If you had to describe yourself in three words, which ones would you choose?
Honest, forthcoming, caring.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
As odd as this may sound, I guess it would have to be Glenn Miller’s Greatest Hits. I have always enjoyed all genres of music, but the big-band era had some of the greatest artists.
If you could have created any one work of great art by another artist, what would it be?
1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. This work fascinates me because of the range of emotions displayed throughout the piece. Its quiet opening and bombastic ending create many emotions in the listener.
If you were to pick what is inscribed on your gravestone, what would it be?
“He worked hard and he tried. But now he has died!”
More Management
Walton County Schools Adds Gatekeeper Stop-Arm Enforcement System
The Florida district will deploy Gatekeeper’s updated Student Protector technology, which now incorporates AI to improve video evidence.
Read More →
Zum Reaches 19 States With New York Expansion
The addition of the Empire State to the student transportation company's roster marks a growing expansion in the Northeast as it scales its tech and school bus services.
Read More →
First Student Updates Its Parent App
First View connects both yellow bus and alternative transportation, giving families one platform to track student trips for the new school year, with 15 languages supported.
Read More →
The Back-to-School Checklist Every Director Should Complete Before the First Bell
Help your transportation team start the school year strong with these tips for contingency planning, communication, fleet visibility, technology, and trip management.
Read More →
How a New York District Cut Nearly $1M in Transportation Costs While Expanding Bus Access
A data-driven overhaul with BusRight reduced Poughkeepsie City School District's planned routes from 26 to 17 while extending school bus service to about 1,200 additional students.
Read More →
Budgets Down, Enrollment Shifting: What the Data Says Districts Should Watch
School transportation departments face two converging challenges this year: tightening budgets and shifting enrollment. Most districts still address these issues separately, but the assumption that either trend will simplify operations is proving incorrect.
Read More →
These 8 School Transportation Companies Made the 2026 Inc. 5000 List
Find out which school transportation contractors, technology providers, and suppliers ranked among America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Read More →
The Link Between Emotional Intelligence and School Bus Safety
How can emotional intelligence help transportation pros navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships? Listen to find out.
Read More →
What Emotional Intelligence Has to Do With School Bus Safety
In this video, discover how emotional intelligence can help transportation leaders and drivers navigate stress, manage change, and build stronger relationships. The Route is sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
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 →