About us
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation is dedicated to advancing safe, efficient, and professional student transportation across Ohio. For over 65 years, OAPT has supported transportation professionals through education, advocacy, and collaboration. Our members include transportation supervisors, mechanics, drivers, and industry partners who share a common commitment: ensuring Ohio’s students travel safely to and from school every day.
OAPT provides comprehensive professional development programs, certification opportunities, and an annual conference and trade show that bring together experts, innovators, and leaders in school transportation. Through partnerships with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and other key stakeholders, OAPT continues to shape policies and practices that elevate the standards of pupil transportation statewide. Together, we are driving the future of safe and effective school transportation in Ohio.
RFK Racing Driver Ryan Preece Reminds Motorists to Prioritize Student Safety
When the Reds are Flashing, There is No Passing!
During National School Bus Safety Week, the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) and the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT)—led by Executive Director Katrina Morris—joined forces with RFK Racing, Blue Bird Corporation, and ROUSH CleanTech to remind all drivers that stopping for a school bus isn’t optional—it’s the law.
In this impactful PSA, RFK driver Ryan Preece delivers a powerful message: even professional drivers stop for school buses. Together, we’re raising awareness to protect students and prevent the thousands of illegal school bus passes that endanger children every day.
Watch the video and stand with us to keep every student safe—every route, every day.
A few things we’re great at
At OAPT, we take pride in supporting Ohio’s student transportation community with expertise, dedication, and innovation. From developing high-quality training programs to advocating for safe transportation policies and fostering collaboration among professionals, we’re committed to helping every district deliver excellence on the road and beyond.
Professional Development Excellence
Empowering Ohio’s transportation leaders through innovative training, certification, and continuing education opportunities.
Community and Collaboration
Building strong connections among transportation professionals, industry partners, and educational leaders to share knowledge and best practices.
Advocacy and Leadership
Representing the voice of pupil transportation professionals to promote safe, effective, and equitable policies statewide.
Every Student. Every Route. Every Day.
From morning pickups to afternoon drop-offs, student transportation is more than just moving students—it’s about safety, reliability, and excellence at every turn.
Every day in Ohio, thousands of students rely on safe, reliable, and efficient transportation to get to school. At OAPT, we empower the professionals behind the wheel and behind the scenes, driving innovation, safety, and excellence in student transportation across the state.
NAPT Partnership
Stronger Together….
OAPT is proud to be part of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) State Affiliate network, joining with other state associations across the country to advance the goals of safe, efficient, and professional student transportation.
Through this collaboration, OAPT members benefit from national resources, professional development opportunities, certification programs, and a nationwide exchange of best practices. Our partnership with NAPT helps ensure Ohio’s transportation professionals stay connected to the latest innovations, standards, and leadership in the field.
Connect. Learn. Lead. Join OAPT.
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation offers several membership options designed to support everyone involved in student transportation — from administrators and drivers to industry partners and retired professionals.
Member
For active pupil transportation administrators employed in:
School districts or programs recognized by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Boards of Developmental Disabilities
Head Start programs
Contractors providing pupil transportation services in compliance with Ohio Administrative Code 3301-83-19
Associate Member
For other Ohio school officials and staff interested in or supporting pupil transportation, including:
Bus drivers, mechanics, aides, secretaries, dispatchers, routers, superintendents, business managers, retired members, pre-service instructors, ODEW employees, board of education members, and Ohio State Highway Patrol representatives.
Business Partner Member
For businesses and companies that provide products or services supporting pupil transportation in Ohio.
Ready to Join?
Become part of Ohio’s leading network of student transportation professionals. Gain access to training, networking, advocacy, and industry resources that help you and your district succeed. Join OAPT today and help drive the future of safe, efficient student transportation in Ohio.
Connect with Our Board
Our OAPT Board of Volunteers is made up of dedicated professionals who donate their time and expertise to advance safe, efficient, and innovative student transportation across Ohio.
Have questions, ideas for training, or want to learn about regional meetings? Reach out to your OAPT Regional Director or any member of the Board for support and guidance.
OFFICERS
Theresa Ritchie
President
tritchie@oapt.org
Angelo Caputo
Vice President
acaputo@oapt.org
Mike Miller
Past president
mmiller@oapt.org
Doug Neading
treasurer
dneading@oapt.org
Bruce Berry
Secretary
bberry@oapt.org
Brian Killian
Communications director
bkillian@oapt.org
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
Robert Ball
northwest region
rball@oapt.org
Joni Robson
North region
jrobson@oapt.org
Andrew Workman
Northeast region
aworkman@oapt.org
Mike Puhalla
West Region
mpuhalla@oapt.org
Randy Snyder
Central region
rsnyder@oapt.org
Kevin Roberts
East Region
kroberts@oapt.org
Shawn Young
Southwest Region
syoung@oapt.org
Adam Howe
South region
ahowe@oapt.org
Justin Hagen-Stein
director at large
jhagenstein@oapt.org
