As you know, I’ve only officially been with NAPT and the NAPT Foundation since November. Previously, I worked for a variety of educational organizations that served superintendents, school boards, chief business officials and a variety of school leaders in auxiliary services, including transportation. When I applied for this job, I felt I had found my “tribe” – a group of amazing men and women who tirelessly, and mostly without fanfare or recognition, daily serve thousands of school children.
NAPT Executive Director & CEO
In today’s world, many people don’t love their work, their organizations, or their industries. There is often a general angst and unhappiness. Businesses get richer and workers don’t advance. Working conditions are poor, and there’s a lack of respect and a climate of unhappiness. We see this on social media, in our communities and even in our families. People are tired of working and not being appreciated, and of not being acknowledged for contributing to the greater good. It’s a very real and sad tale.
School transportation is different. Despite salaries that don’t provide lush lifestyles and continual challenges with equipment, regulations, policies, and budgets – plus an unfortunate driver shortage – every school day, NAPT members show up and do the job. Some members, in addition to their administrative duties, find themselves driving a bus or taking on other jobs that keep their programs running. They see that children are transported safely every day; that special needs children are treated with dignity and compassion; and that countless teams, bands, clubs, and other groups get to their events. They see, even if those around them fail to acknowledge it, that what they do makes a difference in the students in their district. It’s phenomenal that, because of their passion, professionalism, and love for our industry, they get the job done.
Why? I think it’s the same reason I found my “tribe” at NAPT. Knowing that what we do makes a difference. That we serve the noble cause that is public education and that what we do as individuals has impact. It’s a winning combination. Few if any of us wanted to be in this profession as a child. We all came via a variety of other jobs or positions. Through fate or providence, we found ourselves in a challenging, demanding and incredibly rewarding profession. And once we understood, we were all in!
The men and women who make up the membership and leadership of NAPT and our foundation are amazing. It’s a diverse group of professionals with a love for the profession and a zest for life. They come from all types and sizes of school districts, and have resumes that often include graduate school or a lifetime of work in the industry. They have various political affiliations and represent every ethnicity, religion and lifestyle. The work and the passion for the industry is what connects them and gives them a place in our tribe!
A lively debate about electrification of buses or mandatory seat belts or the trouble with illegal passing of buses or driver recruitment, or retention and training – topics that are not part of typical conversations – can bring about an amazing dialogue with professionals who care! The passion and love for our industry are real!
This month, we’ll be doing some projects and activities to support Love the Bus Month. It’s a great time to bring attention to our industry, the professionals who make it work and the issues we face. We need to tell our stories and use our voices to bring about an understanding of the profession and an increased awareness of the contributions we make. NAPT and the foundation exist to support our members and our industry.
Take pride in what you do. It matters. More than any logo, publication, or activity, YOU are the grassroots, on-the-ground representatives of our industry. We salute you and the work that you do!
To the future and beyond,
Molly