Greetings TAPT,
It seems every day over the past week has brought devastating news for our industry. My heart has been heavy as I’ve read the stories about students being struck and seriously injured or killed while waiting to board their school bus.
Being a mother who has lost a child, words cannot express the sorrow I feel for these families and communities that have been affected by these unspeakable tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
Even in light of the recent events, school buses still remain the safest form of transportation on the roadway. However, we all know our students are most vulnerable when they are outside the bus.
For me personally, as a transportation administrator, this is the difficult part of the job. How do I control the uncontrollable? While the number of actual crashes caused by stop-arm violations is low, the potential for injury or death is high.
While reducing the number of illegally passed school buses is easier said than done, I hope your district has a great working relationship with local law enforcement to not only promote public awareness but to enforce the law and hold violators accountable for their actions. The problem is certainly complex, but I believe public education and awareness are key components to preventing these senseless tragedies.
Looking ahead, TAPT is proud to offer five brand new professional development courses this year. Over the next seven months, you will have the opportunity to attend more than 50 professional development courses (PDC’s) at 4 different locations throughout the state. Conference planning is in full swing as well. I’m excited to announce that we have booked Dr. Cal LeMon as our conference keynote speaker. Dr. LeMon is a nationally known school bus safety advocate and genuinely shares our passion for pupil transportation. I assure you he will not disappoint.
In closing, Halloween has finally passed which could mean only one thing … the holiday season is upon us! YAY!! We’re two weeks away from Thanksgiving break, which I know will be a much-needed breather for us all. I hope you have a wonderful and restful break and enjoy time with your family and friends.
God Bless you all,
Amy A. Scopac
