School Transportation News presented its Transportation Director of the Year award to Nicole Portee, executive director of transportation for Denver Public Schools, on Monday morning during the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services Conference.
Portee has proven herself more than capable of spearheading several projects geared toward ensuring Denver’s students have the school bus transportation they need to get to the schools of their choice. She oversees the nationally-recognized ‘Success Express,’ is implementing lap/shoulder belts into her fleet, and is always striving toward operational optimization through data.
“We’re always looking for someone who’s doing something unique,” stated STN Publisher Tony Corpin. “The reason we’re giving her this award today is because of that outstanding push towards student achievement.”
“Everything we do is all about the kids,” Portee said after she was presented the award on Monday. “I want transportation to be at the table. As we say, education doesn’t start at the classroom—it starts when we pick up kids, and it ends when we take kids home. We are an extension of the school day.”
Read more about Portee’s accomplishments and work at DPS in the November issue of School Transportation News.
