For Members, NAPT Leads the
Industry Every Day

Lenny Bernstein, Special to School Transportation News

Leadership can take many forms. It may be quiet and subtle. It can also be forceful and vocal. But it must be unwavering and influential. The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT), an organization with more than 30 years of expertise and leadership has been, and continues to be, at the forefront of the pupil transportation industry. How? By remaining true to its mission: the advocacy for safe and efficient pupil transportation. Though climates may change, the mission never does, and as a result only steadfast policies prevail.

In 2003, an NAPT Strategic Plan was adopted, focusing intently on core issues specific to the interdependency between NAPT members and the industry at large.

These cornerstone issues are what make NAPT a strong leader in the pupil transportation industry. For the past three years, NAPT has driven and/or been an active participant in many national and state efforts, as part of the Strategic Plan.

NAPT continues to provide coordination of industry activities, such as: national and state conferences; an inaugural Web cast with the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO); the Special Needs Team Safety Competition; America’s Best Competition; industry-wide “3N” initiatives; the National Poster & Speech Contests; National School Bus Safety Week; and the new school bus driver postage stamp, just to name a few.

On the side of training and professional development, a total of 44 NAPT Professional Development Courses will be available, and 11 are in the final development phase. There is also the ongoing School Bus Watch program; TSA Training; STAT Training; member and industry information conveyance through the School Bus Information Council; and CapWiz — a congressional forum for advocacy and lobbying efforts.
NAPT also continues to focus on the collection of quantifiable data about the industry. NAPT, along with our industry partners needs to know more information at many different levels. Having that knowledge, we can better prepare for industry trends and make changes that need to be made in the way we do our collective business. NAPT is also developing a member growth strategy. For recruitment and retention, NAPT is concentrating marketing and member services, via data collection.

By virtue of private and public sector member representation, NAPT is uniquely positioned to articulate industry concerns, push innovation in the marketplace and to respond to and communicate forward any new developments that occur. Through business partner relationships, with school bus manufacturers and suppliers, NAPT keeps abreast of new technology; interaction with State Associations positions NAPT as regionally-cognizant on issues that can ultimately become best practices, industry-wide; and Individual members (including operational personnel such as drivers, mechanics, inspectors and transportation supervisors and directors) who benefit from the previous two groups’ collective knowledge but also enlighten NAPT as they communicate what they experience in the field. With such a diverse membership, NAPT is compelled to make news and report events and developments, as they happen, that could impact — in a positive or negative way — the daily activities of members. Remaining true to the mission. Staying the course. That’s what leadership is all about.

In addition to membership camaraderie, NAPT continues to forge relationships with like-minded organizations that embrace our mission, as evidenced in the ongoing partnership with NSTA, NASDPTS, Blue Bird Corp, IC Corp and Thomas Built Buses.

It is essential for all pupil transportation industry organizations to work in concert, as issues are varied and far-reaching. For example, the vulnerability of our children’s safety and security as a repercussion of 9/11, the potential impact of the 65 Percent Solution and the effects of new EPA emissions regulations are all crucial to budgeting decisions and will produce a profound ripple effect on the private and public sectors, alike. Other issues such illegal passing of school buses, bullying on the bus (and elsewhere) and rampant bus driver vacancies also pose challenges, now and in the future. Clearly, there is much work to be done.

In response to this volatile environment, you will soon see a comprehensive industry-wide effort. Details will be announced at the 32nd Annual NAPT Conference & Trade Show in Kansas City in November. We encourage you to attend, and to consider the many benefits of membership at NAPT. Indubitably unwavering, whether subtle or forceful, NAPT is always leading the way, leading every day.

“Leading Everyday” is not only our conference theme this year, it’s our marching orders. Remember, don’t look to just stay ahead of the curve … by leading everyday, you can create the curve. See you in Kansas City!

Bernstein is the president of NAPT & the certified director of pupil transportation at Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District in Garnerville, N.Y. For more
information, visit www.napt.org.

Source: School Transportation News, October 2006. All rights reserved.