While the National Association for Pupil Transportation meets in Ohio for its annual conference, members will choose their next president-elect, Region 4 director, and affiliate director to serve.

NAPT President-Elect Candidates

Karim Johnson, executive director of pupil transportation services for Stafford County (Va.) Public Schools and School Bus Fleet’s 2023 Administrator of the Year, is running for the opportunity to gain “a platform to further amplify my over a quarter-century efforts to advocate for student safety and policy to enhance student achievement, safety, and operation efficiency.”

Keith Kaup, transportation director for Pearland Independent School District in Texas and NAPT’s Region 4 director for the past three years, noted that “it is vital that we connect with others in our industry to collaborate and support one another as we grow and adapt to the changing landscape of education and the needs of our students.”

Todd Silverthorn, transportation supervisor for Ohio’s Kettering City Schools who is in his final year of a four-year presidential term at the Ohio Association of Pupil Transportation, said that “transportation professionals know each day is never the same and we must prepare ourselves for our ever-evolving industry.”

NAPT Region 4 Director Candidate

Rosalynn Vann-Jackson, chief supporting services officer for Broken Arrow Public Schools in Oklahoma, is running unopposed for this seat and therefore won’t require an actual election. She’ll assume office immediately after the annual conference.

In her candidacy post, she wrote of challenges faced in pupil transportation “ranging from staffing shortages to bus procurement difficulties and budgetary constraints. It is imperative that we effectively convey and emphasize the vital significance of pupil transportation.”

NAPT Affiliate Director Candidates

Kimberly Martin, industry engagement consultant for Tyler Technologies, said she’s committed to serving the interests of all vendors in the NAPT: “My comprehensive background in the industry, coupled with a strong track record of leadership and strategic decision-making, uniquely positions me to drive positive change and advocate effectively on behalf of our diverse vendor community.”

Maritza Valentin, national account manager for AMF-Bruns of America, is an enthusiastic advocate for special-needs transportation who enjoys training and educating customers on proper wheelchair securement and regulations. In an introductory video, she talked about her experience working with state associations and NAPT, and said she wants to “continue building relationships among our transportation and business-affiliated partners.”