Another milestone moment took place during the NAPT Annual Meeting at this year’s NAPT ACTS, marking a major step forward in the evolution of professional development for the student transportation industry. During Saturday’s NAPT Annual Meeting, NAPT and the NAPT Foundation announced a transformative new partnership with the Pupil Transportation Safety Institute (PTSI), naming PTSI as NAPT’s online professional development provider beginning January 1, 2026.
NAPT Executive Director & CEO Molly McGee Hewitt was joined on stage by Keith Henry representing the NAPT Foundation, Teena Mitchell representing the NAPT Board, and Jonathan Bentley, CEO of PTSI, to formally sign the new agreement. The moment drew applause as members recognized the significance of aligning two of the industry’s most respected organizations to strengthen the professional pipeline for school transportation leaders nationwide.
“This is a historic event for us,” said Molly, underscoring the importance of high-quality, accessible professional development in a time of shifting workforce needs, new technologies, and evolving operational demands. PTSI known for decades for its robust training programs, safety expertise, and commitment to elevating operational standards, will play a central role in delivering the next generation of NAPT’s online learning.
NAPT President Keith Kaup noted in post-announcement conversations “what excites me most about this partnership is that it allows us to fundamentally reimagine what professional development looks like for the student transportation industry. Our work with PTSI will include expanded offerings and updates to our current courses but it is so much more than that, it is about reshaping the entire learning experience so it reflects the complexity, technology, and leadership demands of today’s school transportation operation. We’re building a modern, future-ready curriculum that equips our members with the insight, skills, and strategic perspective needed to navigate an evolving landscape. This is the kind of forward-thinking collaboration that will move NAPT, and our profession, confidently into the future.”
As both organizations look ahead to 2026 and beyond, the signing ceremony served as a visible commitment to strengthening the foundation of professional excellence within student transportation. The partnership reinforces NAPT’s promise to provide members with the highest quality education, while tapping into PTSI’s deep technical knowledge and longstanding dedication to training the nation’s transportation workforce.
Molly concluded the ceremonial signing by saying, “Today, we are signing our new agreement and are excited to begin this journey with you (PTSI),” signaling not simply the adoption of a new platform, but the beginning of a collaborative future designed to elevate the entire industry.
NAPT Members, as well as others who look to NAPT for industry-specific professional development, can look forward to expanded PDS course offerings in the following categories: Facility & Fleet Management, Budgeting, Soft Skills, Operations, and Technology.
As NAPT prepares for this transition, members can expect clear guidance and communication about the migration from the current online learning provider to the new PTSI managed system. Support materials, timelines, and instructions will be shared well in advance to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all learners. More information will follow as details are finalized.