Message from the Executive Director

Registration is now open for our 2026 GAPT Fall Conference & Trade Show, October 21–22 in Cartersville, and we are looking forward to another meaningful opportunity to bring Georgia’s pupil transportation leaders together.

When we selected the dates for this conference, we made every effort to review the major national and industry events that could create conflicts — including NAPT, NASDPTS, STN, and others. Unfortunately, one important observance we did not catch was School Bus Driver Appreciation Week. We recognize how important this week is to our districts and, most importantly, to the men and women we celebrate for safely transporting Georgia’s students each day. I sincerely apologize for that oversight. While the timing is not ideal, we believe the Fall Conference will provide a strong two days of timely information, collaboration, and professional development specifically geared toward our transportation administrators and leaders.

We are also excited about the continued growth of the Southeastern Pupil Transportation Academy (SPTA). As the Academy grows, we have updated the “face” of SPTA, including a rebranding and renumbering of our course offerings. While you will begin seeing new SPTA course numbers and an updated presentation of the program, the course content remains essentially the same, and our certification requirements have not changed. This is an evolution of the Academy — not a change in the standards or professional development opportunities our members have come to value.

There is a lot happening within GAPT, and we are excited about what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing many of you in Cartersville this October and to continuing our work together to strengthen the profession of pupil transportation throughout Georgia.