tion to put money into the program. Tat is probably his number one accomplishment that people recognize. He has a way of get- ting things accomplished with very little money and very little help.”


MOVING THE INDUSTRY FORWARD Christensen sees his role as president


of NASDPTS as an advocate for student transportation. He does not have to move mountains, but he will keep his climbing equipment handy. “I feel we need to certainly be a factor


when talking to folks in Washington to get them to understand how important the yellow school bus is, and the fact that we are the largest mass transit system in the United States,” he said. Christensen noted that funding is one of


the most important issues that needs to be addressed. Current economic conditions have forced cuts in spending that, in some


cases, have jeopardized student safety. “As an example, in the past, if there was


a hazardous condition, we’d look at that situation and provide transportation for that student even if it was not required,” he said. “Now, if it’s not required, we don’t do it, and I would not like that to become the new norm. We don’t want the bare minimum to be the new norm.” Christensen knows leadership is not a solo


endeavor. It will take a team effort to move student transportation forward. “I tend to be a consensus builder,” he said.


“You don’t want to get too far ahead of the pack because you might get cut off. When you get nominated for a new position, they don’t tell you everything you’re going to be doing. I’m learning new things as I go along.” Christensen does not consider being the


nation’s head cheerleader for student trans- portation his biggest adjustment. He and Lisa adopted their second child, 3-year-old


Isaiah, in June. Teir first child, 5-year-old Olivia, was adopted in 2008. Te couple traveled to China for the adoptions. All are happy as clams, but Max had his moments. “As many challenges as I have faced in


my lifetime, becoming a first-time father at age 50 scared the hell out of me,” Chris- tensen said laughing. “I tend to be the steadying force, but the day we got Olivia, as the time grew close, I turned into a ner- vous wreck. Lisa was as calm as could be.” Christensen remembers his roots and


believes bus drivers are the key. “Some of the best days of my life were


spent driving a school bus. You don’t do it for the money. It takes a special person to be a school bus driver,” he said. “For those who have it in their blood, once you do it, you can’t get away from it. I have the utmost respect for bus drivers, and unfor- tunately they don’t always get the respect they deserve.” n


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