NAPT Executive Director and CEO
As I sat down to write this, I was reminded of the month we are in! How did we get to Spring so fast? What happened to our school year? While we have a few months left in the 2024-2025 school year, we are already moving fast in our anticipation of 2025-2026! School transportation is one segment of the educational community that never slows down!
This has been a challenging year for education and for student transportation. Many of our members have been faced with staffing issues, fiscal cutbacks, political turmoil and a crazy variety of natural disasters from fires to floods to tornados to hurricanes. As I write this, personally – I am under a tornado watch in Missouri! What happens in our communities directly impacts our employees and our operations. As an industry focused on safety, we have been impacted by a variety of challenges and tragedies this year that make our work more arduous and more important.
At a recent NAPT event in Nashville with our leadership and state affiliate leaders, I had the privilege of listening to people share what is happening in their districts and affiliates. One very brave leader stood up and shared their frustration, fatigue, and exasperation at the daily issues they address. As they spoke, I saw heads nodding and agreement around the room. Transporting children and young people safely every day is a marathon and at times, an unrecognized accomplishment. My pride in our members could not be greater! I admire the men and women who do their utmost to meet the needs of our schools and our students. I am hopeful that the work NAPT and the NAPT Foundation do daily provides them with support for their careers and their work.
Since 2024, NAPT and the NAPT Foundation have been operating under the initiative known as NAPT Under Construction. Having served our industry and members for over 50 years, we recognized the need to reevaluate our business practices. We are actively addressing the legislative and advocacy issues that demand our focus. Our efforts in Washington D.C. and collaboration with our Public Policy committee have led to the development of robust position papers and initiatives. Additionally, we have listened to our members express the desire for enhanced professional development and certifications. From the upcoming ACTS 2025 to our online and in-person courses, as well as an improved process for certifications and recertifications, we are making progress! Our state affiliates have also requested increased support and engagement from us. This journey has been enlightening and, at times, challenging! We are committed to listening carefully, taking notes, and implementing the necessary actions!
This issue is packed with relevant and exciting information and news! We hope it will be at the top of your reading list! Don’t forget to pass it on to your superiors and teams. The more understanding and information we can share – the stronger we become!
With Love, Respect, and a Knowing Nod (from my tornado shelter),
Molly