ALBANY, N.Y. — Affiliate members of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) now have a designated spot on the group’s board of directors.

In an election that ended last week, NAPT members voted overwhelmingly in favor of creating an affiliate member seat to join the nine other members of the board.

Affiliate members are from a for-profit organization engaged in a commercial aspect of pupil transportation or a not-for-profit business, association or organization interested in the improvement of pupil transportation.

NAPT said that affiliate members had not been prohibited from serving on the board, but they may have been reluctant to run in an election against current or potential customers.

The designated seat makes it clear that affiliate members are “welcome and encouraged” to participate in policy- and decision-making, NAPT said.

The seat will be filled by an election this November among affiliate members. The requirements for running for the position are:

• Must be employed by a current affiliate member of NAPT.

• Must have been an individual member of NAPT, though not necessarily by virtue of current employment, for a minimum of two years.

• Must be nominated by at least two current affiliate members of NAPT. Nominations must be submitted to NAPT President-Elect Linda Bluth in writing (e-mail is acceptable).