The Pupil Transportation Safety Institute, a New York-based developer of consulting services and training courses for student transportation staff, kicked off a strategic five-year growth plan that is projected to double the organization’s size.
PTSI also announced on Tuesday that David Christopher, who was president of the New York Association for Pupil Transportation from 2010 to 2012, was hired as training development specialist. Kathleen A. Furneaux, PTSI’s executive director, told STN that hiring Christopher was the first step in a five-year plan for strategic growth, as PTSI looks to add more training courses and services while also expanding its client base.
Starting on Dec. 27, Christopher “will manage the 19A program and personnel for PTSI, develop training materials and instruct as needed,” said Furneaux. The 19A program offered by PTSI trains individuals on state school bus driver certifications. “Dave’s comprehensive 19A background as a certified examiner and experience in school transportation is a welcome addition to PTSI,” Furneaux added.
During the recession, explained Furneaux, PTSI had to cut two-thirds of its staff, but did not reduce the workloads. “We got through the recession in wonderful shape,” she told STN. “Now, we are financially and strategically in a position to grow our organization. In order to do that we needed a greater capacity for developing materials, and Dave is the first step in doing that.”
Nikki Hughes, president of PTSI’s board of directors, agreed. “The addition of David Christopher to the staff will further ensure the continued growth of PTSI and allow [Kathleen Furneaux] the opportunity to explore new ventures for the company,” she said.
Christopher told STN he is happy to be a part of the PTSI team. “PTSI has a reputation for quality work and it’s the people there who make it happen,” he noted. “PTSI has goals to expand its offerings in the future and I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of that.”
PTSI offers over a dozen training and refresher courses for school bus drivers, monitors, dispatchers, managers and certified examiners.
