MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS :
building culture , proper communication , training , and various other areas , helping me realize strengths I hadn ’ t recognized in myself . That experience led me to Frisco ISD , where I became the Assistant Director of Transportation , overseeing one of the 3 stations , specifically managing special education transportation . Now , I am the Director of Transportation at Rockwall ISD . In addition to my work at the district level , I volunteer with state and regional organizations such as TAPT and NTAPT . I have served as a historian , webmaster , and in other roles to give back to the transportation community . My favorite aspect of this field is networking — our industry is strongest when we support one another . I am where I am today because people helped me recognize my strengths and weaknesses , allowing me to grow . I strive to do the same for my team in Rockwall by empowering those around me . I work with an incredible group of leaders who know their roles well , and my job is to facilitate their success . Ultimately , my passion is for student transportation and ensuring we provide the best service possible .
What can you tell us about your district ’ s transportation department ? Rockwall ISD covers a much larger area than I initially realized , spanning from Heath to Rockwall , Wylie , the outskirts of Forney , and into Royse City . We operate over 100 routes and employ more than 243 staff members , including crossing guards , monitors , drivers , and special program drivers . One unique aspect of our department is that we manage school crossing guards in addition to transportation . This means ensuring that every elementary campus — 16 in total — has the necessary coverage , with some campuses requiring two or three guards due to large walk zones . Our fleet has been gradually updated with new safety features over the years , and we continue working toward improvements . Since I arrived six months ago , we have added two new special education buses and are incorporating Type A buses into our fleet . These smaller buses provide an opportunity for our monitors to transition into driving roles without requiring a CDL , allowing them to take on more responsibility and stay engaged in their careers . This year , we faced a unique challenge : the opening of two ninth-grade campuses . This expansion required us to introduce 181 daily shuttle routes to transport students between the ninthgrade campuses and their high schools , ensuring they could access specialized programs . Additionally , we provide transportation to Collin College for dual-credit courses and shuttle students to our College & Career Academy ( GGCBA ). Our commitment to student success also extends to middle school math shuttles , allowing advanced students to attend high school math classes . With all these services in place , our buses are constantly in motion . Rockwall ISD has one of the busiest transportation departments I ’ ve ever seen . So far this year , we have completed nearly 1,100 field trips , and managing daily trip requests is like solving a puzzle . It ’ s a testament to the dedication of our staff that we can successfully meet these transportation needs .
What is the biggest challenge facing your transportation department ? One of our biggest challenges has been adapting to the district ’ s rapid growth . As we transitioned into a 6A district , we found that our staffing and resources were stretched thin . Since my arrival , we have taken major steps to address these issues , including adding four new office positions . Previously , office staff were managing multiple roles , wearing four or five hats at a time . Now , we have two specialists dedicated to training and CDL certification , a special education route coordinator , and a regular education route coordinator . Additionally , we created a secretary position — something the transportation department had never had before . These changes allow us to build internal expertise and improve overall efficiency . In the past , transportation departments operated with a siloed mindset , hesitant to share knowledge for fear of losing valuable employees . However , in today ’ s environment — especially here in North Texas — we recognize the importance of building future leaders . I see my role as not just leading Rockwall ’ s transportation team but also mentoring the next generation of directors . My goal is to develop my team members so that when they ’ re ready to take on leadership roles , they have the skills and confidence to succeed .
As a seasoned professional , what advice can you offer other NAPT members ? The most valuable advice I can give is to find a mentor . Surround yourself with people who will help you grow . Strong mentorship strengthens not only individuals but also entire teams . NAPT played a huge role in my professional growth . Four years ago , I met an instructor Josh Rice at TAPT who inspired me to pursue NAPT certifications . That motivation led me to attend my first NAPT conference , where I felt truly ignited by the experience . When I received the Education Award last year , the song selected for the event —” This girl is on Fire ”— perfectly described my journey . Mentorship has been crucial for me . One of my mentors , Michelle Ramm , encouraged me from the start , and another mentor Teri Mapengo helped refine my skills . Without these influences , I wouldn ’ t be where I am today . This is why I tell anyone entering the field : find a mentor . The challenges of this job can be overwhelming , and having the right people to support and guide you makes all the difference . A great mentor like Amy Scopac will be honest with you , challenge you , and help you navigate difficult moments . When I have tough days , I remind myself of something a mentor Mark told me : “ Jennifer , you are you . You were hired for a reason . Don ’ t change who you are — help others grow into who they need to be .” That message keeps me grounded . As my parents used to say , “ See the lion in yourself ”— meaning , always find a reason to smile , set the example , and keep pushing forward . Surrounding yourself with the right people helps make this challenging industry more manageable .
What excites you most about pupil transportation today ? The evolution of the industry excites me the most . Ten years ago , there was little collaboration among transportation professionals . Today , we are building networks , sharing knowledge , and developing future leaders . The industry is changing rapidly , and I ’ m proud to be part of a movement that prioritizes growth and mentorship . Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond , I see an industry that is more connected , innovative , and prepared to meet the needs of students . We are no longer just moving students from point A to point B — we are shaping the future of school transportation and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed .
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