School BUSRide spoke with Marc Medina, who brings a hands-on, service-driven perspective to his new role as Region 1 Director on the NAPT Board of Directors. In addition to his national leadership responsibilities, Medina serves as transportation supervisor for the Farmingdale School District in New York and is president of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation.
Please provide an overview of your career in pupil transportation, from your entry into the industry to your current role.
My journey in pupil transportation has really been quite a ride, and I’ve been very fortunate. I started out driving a school bus part-time in 2010 for a school district on Long Island. It was one of the best jobs I ever had. I loved driving, working with the students, and building strong relationships with parents.
In 2016, a civil service exam was offered for the position of assistant supervisor of transportation. I took the exam, did well, and was called in for an interview by the Farmingdale School District. At the time, Joe Williams was leading transportation in Farmingdale and was deeply involved with the New York Association for Pupil Transportation at both the local and state levels. After a series of interviews, I was hired in 2016.
Joe demonstrated through his actions how seriously pupil transportation should be taken. He was one of the most respected professionals in the field locally and statewide, and he made a point to bring me along with him. He encouraged my involvement with NYAPT at both the local and state levels, where I served as his alternate director and learned a great deal from his mentorship.
Joe passed away in 2018, and at that time I was promoted to supervisor of transportation for the Farmingdale School District. Before his passing, we had many conversations about the importance of this work and the responsibility of carrying on the values and standards he believed in. Those conversations had a lasting impact on me.
After stepping into the supervisor role, I became president of my local chapter. I later served as a director, president-elect, and president at the local level, while also remaining active at the state level as an alternate director and director. Eventually, I ran for president of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation and currently serve in that role.
Through my involvement with NYAPT, I became more engaged with the National Association for Pupil Transportation. When NYAPT held its inaugural state affiliate meeting, I attended as president-elect and was inspired by the passion and dedication of transportation professionals from across the country and Canada. Around that same time, Peter Lawrence, who had served as Region 1 director for approximately nine years, was nearing the end of his term. After speaking with him, I felt it was the right time to step into a leadership role at the national level.
Since then, the experience has been extremely positive. I’ve met outstanding professionals, participated in regional meetings, and helped move important initiatives forward. I truly feel fortunate for how my career has unfolded and for the opportunity to give back to the industry that has given so much to me.
What motivated you to pursue a national leadership position with NAPT, and why is it important to extend your work from the state level to the national level?
Giving back is extremely important to me. When you are passionate about something and have an opportunity to help others, bring people together, and facilitate the exchange of ideas, it becomes a responsibility as much as an opportunity.
NAPT has a long and meaningful history, built by individuals who dedicated a great deal of time, energy, and effort to advancing pupil transportation. I take that responsibility personally. To contribute, even in a small way, to the continued growth of the national association and to help strengthen collaboration within Region 1 is both exciting and rewarding.
From your perspective as a new board member, what are the most significant needs of NAPT’s national membership as the association enters 2026?
One of the most consistent messages I heard, particularly at the recent conference in Grand Rapids, was the need for strong and ongoing communication. Members want to be able to connect with their region directors and with one another. That theme was echoed across every region.
Members are also seeking collaboration, professional development, and opportunities for growth. The national association already provides a strong foundation in these areas, but there is also an opportunity to continue building on those efforts as we move forward.
What is the value proposition of NAPT membership for professionals who are not currently members, and what does the association offer that cannot be found elsewhere?
One of the greatest benefits of NAPT membership is the ability to collaborate and build a strong network of like-minded transportation professionals. That network begins at the regional level but quickly expands nationally and even internationally.
Members gain access to an extensive knowledge base made up of professionals who genuinely care about pupil transportation and about supporting one another. It allows you to pick up the phone and reach out to a colleague in another state to discuss challenges, share ideas, and learn from one another. Those relationships make us better professionals, and when we improve, the students we transport are safer. Ultimately, that is what this work is all about.