Lap-shoulder belts, NTSB investigations, and rideshare services for students were among the issues discussed at the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association’s 2018 gathering in Eugene. See SBF’s pics from the event here.
PHOTOS: Oregon Conference Covers School Bus Safety Topics
Charlie Hood, executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, discusses school bus crash investigation findings from the National Transportation Safety Board. Hood and Graham also led a session on stop-arm violations.
Eugene was looking yellow and green — a good fit for University of Oregon fans — during the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association’s (OPTA’s) 2018 conference, held June 19 to 23.
OPTA President Chris Ellison addresses attendees during one of the conference sessions. Ellison is also the transportation manager for Eugene School District.
Derek Graham, a consultant and former North Carolina state director, gave presentations on several topics, including lap-shoulder belt implementation and mobile data terminals on school buses.
Ridesharing services for students was the subject of this OPTA panel discussion, which included (from left) SBF Editor Thomas McMahon, HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland, Graham, and T.J. Crockett, former policy analyst for the Oregon Department of Education (DOE).
Director Mark Kendall screened his 2012 film La Camioneta, which follows a decommissioned American school bus into its new life providing public transportation in Guatemala.
OPTA attendees watch La Camioneta on the big screen.
A movie poster for La Camioneta is seen here. Kendall conducted a Q&A session after the screening.
James “Kimo” Sears of Eugene School District won OPTA’s Golden Wrench Award for exemplary technicians.
Norma Sisson of Central Point School District earned the Buck Klemm Memorial Award for her contributions to special-needs transportation.
Lindsay Heard of Grants Pass School District won the Doug Flatt Administrative Award. She is seen here with Ellison.
Lesa Motter of Grants Pass School District was named OPTA’s Driver of the Year.
Hylah Moncy (left) of Lebanon School District earned the Driver/Trainer of the Year honor. She is seen here with Mollie Blagg of Western Bus Sales.
Kathy Houck, who recently retired from her longtime role as transportation coordinator for Reynolds School District, won OPTA’s Ron Bryan Award for leadership, and she earned a special recognition for 25 years of service to the association.
David Jorgenson of Salem-Keizer Public Schools was named OPTA’s Supervisor of the Year. He is seen here with Kim Hevia of Schetky Northwest Sales.
Don Lamb (right) of Springfield School District won the Oregon DOE’s Big Wheel Award for dedication to transportation. He is seen here with Craig Pruitt of the Oregon DOE.