MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS :
Athena Bartz
Additionally , I have become deeply involved in professional organizations within the field , serving as Vice President of the Wyoming Pupil Transportation Association ( WPTA ). I also started up and help facilitate some roundtables for mechanics and trainers statewide . Furthermore , I chaired the committee responsible for developing the Entry-Level Driver Training ( ELDT ) curriculum , which is available on the WPTA website for all new driver training across the state . I am also honored to serve as a Region 5 board member for the National Association for Pupil Transportation ( NAPT ), where I assist with the planning and execution of conferences .
What is the most pressing challenge for your district ’ s transportation department ? One of the primary challenges we are currently navigating is the increasing demand for activity drivers . With the expansion of sports programs such as softball and girls ’ wrestling , we have seen a significant rise in the number of activity trips requiring transportation . On any given Friday , we may have up to 27 buses deployed for extracurricular activities , all while managing over 70 standard routes with a limited number of drivers . To mitigate this , we have had to make our routing more efficient , often combining routes to free up drivers for activity trips or to cover routes in the event of unforeseen absences . While we strive to avoid canceling trips whenever possible , this remains an ongoing challenge .
School BUSRide spoke with Athena Bartz , assistant director of Natrona County School District in Wyoming and the NAPT Region 5 Board Member . Bartz discussed her district ’ s challenges , and offered her seasoned advice to NAPT members .
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your district . I am currently serving as the Assistant Director of Transportation for Natrona County School District in Casper , Wyoming , where I have had the privilege of working for approximately one and a half years . Prior to my current role , I spent 11 years in Carbon County , Wyoming , based in Rawlins , where I held the position of Director of Transportation . My journey into transportation began unexpectedly . While pursuing a nursing degree , I started working as a substitute bus driver . However , as a single mother of two , I quickly realized that balancing nursing school with family obligations would be a significant challenge . This led me to transition from part-time substitute driving to a full-time bus driver position in South Carolina . Eventually , I relocated to Wyoming to be closer to my family , particularly as my parents ’ health was declining . I continued working in transportation here in Wyoming , progressing from bus driver to vehicle detailer , and ultimately , to my current role as Director .
Given your own experience , what advice can you offer other NAPT members ? My advice would be to maintain flexibility and an open mind . The transportation landscape is constantly evolving , and embracing new ideas and solutions is key . Continuously learning and being open to innovative approaches allows us to grow and find creative solutions to the challenges we face .
How do you think state associations like yours and the NAPT can best work together ? I believe the most effective way for state associations and NAPT to collaborate is through offering professional development opportunities . States can benefit from the resources NAPT provides , particularly in terms of training and certification programs . By hosting professional development series within the state , we can help ensure that our employees are well-equipped with the necessary skills and certifications . In turn , this strengthens the workforce and enhances the overall effectiveness of our transportation systems , while also highlighting the value and support NAPT offers to state and district-level operations . NAPT plays a crucial role in supporting state and local transportation departments by offering comprehensive professional development courses . These programs help ensure that our employees achieve and maintain the necessary certifications , which contributes to a more skilled , knowledgeable , and capable workforce . This collaborative effort ultimately benefits the entire state , ensuring that we have a highly qualified group of professionals providing safe and efficient transportation to students .
20 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | MARCH 2025