NAPT Summit 2011

School bus officials cite concerns on flammability lobbying

Chemical companies are reportedly funding a nonprofit group that is lobbying state legislatures to adopt additional flammability standards for school buses. A new position paper from NASDPTS explains that the standards being proposed aren't suited for pupil transportation — and the industry's own national specifications are actually more stringent.

Training videos on sale at Education Compliance Group

With owner Peggy Burns moving soon, the company is offering a 25-percent discount on all video training programs until Nov. 16.

NAPT sessions address bullying, operation management

Anti-bullying advocates Jodee Blanco and Jessica Brookshire discuss their individual crusades to end bullying, and they also offer tips for school bus drivers. Mark Aesch of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transit Authority offers management tips on how to generate data-driven information to help pupil transporters better make decisions.

Bus driver recommends student for sports wheelchair

Jordan Avis receives the new wheelchair from a foundation that raises money to benefit special-needs students during an assembly at his high school. Avis' school bus driver alerted the foundation that Avis' regular wheelchair, which he was using while playing basketball, was falling apart.

2 more pupil transporters complete NAPT special-needs training

Michele Drorbaugh of Seattle Public Schools and Jeffrey A. Finfrock of Student Transportation of America’s terminal in Carnegie, Pa., are the 10th and 11th people, respectively, to complete the association’s Special Needs Transportation Training Program. The program provides transportation personnel serving students with disabilities with access to educational opportunities at both local and national conferences.

Specific Special-Needs Evacuations: OI

Students with osteogenesis imperfecta have bones that break easily. In spite of the urgency of a school bus evacuation, these passengers must be moved slowly and carefully.

Ore. district enhances service, cuts crashes by 25%

Over the past year, Salem-Keizer Public Schools significantly reduced its accident rate, improved processing time for special-needs passengers and developed new bell times. Transportation department members also received some key honors from the Oregon Pupil Transportation Association.

Ky. district staff honored for dedication to student safety

The Kentucky Association for Pupil Transportation names John Odom, Warren County Public Schools’ director of transportation, Director of the Year at its annual recognition dinner. Mary McGrew is named the state's Driver of the Year, and Dickie Sadler is recognized as Special Needs Driver of the Year.