K
ansas City is perhaps best known for jazz, barbecue and fountains. In the 1930s, the city saw the development of a new style of jazz best known for extended instrumental solos and a heavy blues influence. Te city boasts more than 100 barbecue
restaurants that showcase its famous Kansas City-style barbecue and barbecue contests. Go anywhere around the city and you are likely to spot a number of its famous fountains. In fact, it is said that Rome is the only city in the world with more fountains. In recent years, Kansas City sports also cap-
tured national headlines when the Kansas City Royals played in the 2014 World Series and won the following year. Keeping all this in mind, it is no surprise that the dynamic city that straddles the Kansas/ Missouri border was once again chosen as the location for this year’s National Association for Pupil Transportation’s Annual Summit and National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Conference. Kansas City was the location of both conferences only two years ago. Tis year, STN readers who will be attending the conference next month indicated they are looking forward to learning about a number of different topics, including safety, driver retention, grant funding and, especially, the new federal Phase 2 emissions and fuel economy regulations. “(I’m interested in the) specifics of the new
environmental regulations. I have not seen a good summary, and the ‘rule’ is very lengthy,” said Josh Davis, director of pupil transportation at Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia. Attendees can take advantage of different educa- tional opportunities, such as PDS courses that will cover topics like accident investigations and fleet maintenance programs. Breakout sessions will fea- ture state directors and industry experts as speakers will cover a broad range of topics, such as special needs, seat belts, budgets, service dogs and more.
Other readers noted that they were most
interested in attending the trade show and in- teracting with vendors. More than 100 vendors will be present at this year’s show, which will take place at the Kansas City Convention Cen- ter. Tey are sure to offer an array of products for student transporters, including school bus- es, technology solutions, bus parts and more. And some readers said that they want to see it all. “I am interested in all things transporta-
tion. (I’ve been in transportation) 28 years and counting,” said Cindy Watkins, transpor- tation director at Anderson School District 3 in South Carolina.
Another highlight of the conference will be the America’s Best School Bus Inspector & Technician Training & Skills Competi- tion, which brings together some of the top school bus professional across North Amer- ica to showcase their skills in a written and hands-on competition. Technicians will be tested on their ability to perform routine bus maintenance as well as diagnose, troubleshoot and repair different mechanical components. Te training and skills competition will also cover technical components of the latest engines, suspensions and drive trains, among others. Inspectors will be tested on school bus systems and components, visual inspection to identify early signs of wear, as well as their proficiency in inspecting brakes, electrical systems and drivetrains among others. Participants will also receive a full day of training prior to the written exam portion of the competition. Conference attendees can also look forward to four keynote speakers, including the Honorable Christopher Hart, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, and Jeff Bauman, a survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. ●
Kansas City is known for having over 200 fountains across the city.
An attendee checks out a new school bus in Kansas City two years ago during the NAPT Summit Trade Show. The event will once again be held at the Kansas City Convention Center on Nov. 8.
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