Here, we share shots taken during the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) and National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) conferences in Grand Rapids, Mich., as well as shots from around the host city. Photos by SBF Executive Editor Thomas McMahon, SBF Managing Editor Kelly Roher and SBF Senior Editor Nicole Schlosser.
2013 NASDPTS and NAPT Conferences
The Grand Rapids Public Museum had some eye-catching items on display out front.
Donny Bynum, superintendent of Alabama’s Dale County Schools, spoke to state pupil transportation directors about the January incident in which school bus driver Charles Poland was fatally shot by an intruder, who then took a student hostage.
Alfred Karam (left), director of transportation at Bethlehem Central School District, receives the Administrator of the Year award from SBF Executive Editor Thomas McMahon during the NAPT awards banquet.
Outgoing NAPT President Alex Robinson receives the Distinguished Service Award from NAPT Executive Director Mike Martin. For the full list of award winners, click here.
In a school bus security session, 1st Sergeant Keith Runk, Maryland State Police, reviewed active shooter cases in the news. He urged the audience to have an action plan in place and to practice it in all types of work conditions.
Pete Meslin (far right), director of transportation at California's Newport-Mesa Unified School District, moderated a session in which panelists (from left) Michael and Judith Ann Benedict and their son, Michael Jr., discussed how relationship-building is critical to good customer service when transporting special-needs students.
Judy Shanley co-presented a session with Pete Meslin on travel instruction for students with disabilities. Shanley is director of student engagement and mobility management for the Easter Seals Transportation Group.
Incoming NAPT President Don Carnahan (right) presents the American School Bus Council’s School Bus Champions award to Washington State Superintendent Randy Dorn (center) and his chief of staff, Ken Kanikeberg. Both have been instrumental in increasing pupil transportation funding and protecting regional coordinator positions in their state.
Attendees enter the trade show as it opens on Tuesday afternoon.
Rosco set up a course for attendees to navigate using a back-up camera system.
Type A school bus manufacturer Trans Tech Bus unveiled its new all-electric school bus at the trade show.
Radio Engineering Industries celebrated its 75th anniversary with a cake.
Pictured are a couple of entries from this year's National School Bus Safety Week Poster Contest. This year's theme was "At My Stop — You Stop!"
Interesting artwork abounds downtown. This fountain sculpture celebrates Grand Rapids’ winning of the title Beer City USA, earned for its flourishing craft brewery scene.
Across the Grand River from the convention center is the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.