FROM THE NAPT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO
September Musings: The Dawn of Fall and Exciting Times Ahead!
By Molly McGee-Hewitt, PhD, CAE NAPT Executive Director & CEO
Traditionally in the United States, most public schools began the first week or September following the Labor Day holiday. However, like many customs, this practice has faced challenges, resulting in schools across the nation starting anywhere from early August to mid-September. The variation in opening schedules reflects the unique needs of local districts and communities, as well as collective bargaining agreements. This shift is a natural part of societal change.
For me, September always triggers the beginning of fall! The hot days of summer give way to the cooler autumn days. This month also reminds me that ACTS25, the NAPT Annual Conference and Trade Show, is just around the corner! Your leadership and professional staff are hard at work putting all the final touches on our annual conference and preparing to make ACTS25 at Grand Rapids the most outstanding one to date! In addition to the engaging educational conference program, we will be swearing in new leadership and conducting essential association business. We cannot wait to connect with our members and our business partners there!
This will mark my third official ACTS with NAPT! I cannot believe how fast the last three years have gone! Our first post-COVID conference in Columbus was fantastic, and last year, we had an incredible experience in Oklahoma City during our inaugural visit. For me, this third conference will be the charm! Returning to a loved venue featuring excellent speakers and workshops, fun networking and social opportunities, regional meetings and our second Leadership Forum! Wow! It is going to be awesome!
NAPT recognizes that not all our members have the privilege of attending ACTS25 or traveling out of state. Therefore, next year, we are thrilled to announce that we will provide regional events and special Leadership Academies nationwide, along with enhanced webinars and online training! Along with our state affiliate organization partners, we are going to do our best to serve you well! Stay tuned!
Welcome to fall! May you enjoy the change of seasons, the start of our new school year and the joy of pumpkin spice, apple pie, football games and new opportunities.
With love, respect, and a knowing nod, Molly school-busride. com VOL. 6, NUMBER 9
Dr. Molly McGee-Hewitt NAPT Executive Director & CEO molly @ napt. org
Angela Kelly NAPT Director of Marketing & Events angela @ napt. org
Richard G. Tackett Editor in Chief rtackett @ school-busride. com
Judi Victor Publisher jvfly @ school-busride. com
Stephen Gamble Art Director sgamble @ school-busride. com
Mitch Larson Business & Accounting Manager mlarson @ school-busride. com
A publication of:
Power Trade Media PO Box 82 Cave Creek, AZ 85327 school-busride. com
Paid advertisements appear from time to time in National Association for Pupil Transportation ®( NAPT ®) publications, including print and other digital formats. An advertisement for any specific product, service or entity DOES NOT constitute an endorsement or recommendation of that product, service or entity by School BUSRide™, NAPT ® or the NAPT ® Foundation, Inc. The views and opinions expressed by advertisers or individuals that work for or are otherwise affiliated with advertisers in our publications( including current or former Board members) do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of School BUSRide™, NAPT ® or the NAPT ® Foundation, Inc. School BUSRide ™, NAPT ® and the NAPT ® Foundation, Inc. reserve the right to refuse, reject or cancel any ad for any reason at any time, without liability, so paid advertising does not influence NAPT ® policy.
School BUSRide ™ Magazine is published 12 times annually by Power Trade Media, PO Box 82, Cave Creek, AZ 85327 Subscription rates for non-qualified subscribers, single issue prices and pricing for reprints of 100 or more are available from: info @ school-busride. com. All articles in School BUSRide ™ Magazine be deemed an endorsement by Power Trade Media, and no warranty is made or implied. Information is obtained from sources the editors believe reliable, accurate and timely, but is not guaranteed, and Power Trade Media is not responsible for errors or omissions. Opinions expressed in School BUSRide ™ Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsors or advertisers. Content addressing legal, tax and other technical issues is not intended as professional advice and cannot be relied on as such; readers should consult with their own professional advisors.
6 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE. COM | SEPTEMBER 2025