OAPT History
Our History
The Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT) has proudly served as the cornerstone of Ohio’s student transportation community since 1960, when it hosted its very first annual conference. The association’s founding was guided by the leadership and vision of Hanford L. Combs, Ohio’s former Chief of Pupil Transportation, whose dedication laid the foundation for what OAPT would become.
In its early years, OAPT was a small but determined organization committed to elevating the profession of pupil transportation. Mr. Combs worked tirelessly to establish partnerships with Ohio colleges to strengthen professional development and create pathways for specialized training in school transportation leadership.
Originally, the association operated as an affiliate of the Ohio Association of Civil Service Employees before later becoming the pupil transportation affiliate of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO)—a key step in aligning pupil transportation with broader educational operations across the state.
From the beginning, OAPT’s charter members shared a common goal: to promote excellence, safety, and professionalism in school transportation. Early workshops and conferences were held at Ohio University in Athens, where participants gathered in modest, un-air-conditioned dormitories—an enduring symbol of their dedication and pioneering spirit.
Over the decades, OAPT has grown into a statewide network of professionals committed to ensuring that every student in Ohio has access to safe, reliable, and efficient transportation. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, OAPT continues to shape the future of pupil transportation—honoring the legacy of those who came before while driving progress for the next generation.
OAPT Charter Members
A Lasting Legacy
These visionary leaders not only built an association—they built a community. Their efforts created a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and the continuous pursuit of safety and excellence in student transportation. OAPT proudly honors their contributions and remains committed to carrying their mission forward for generations to come.
Honoring the Founders Who Paved the Way
In 1960, a dedicated group of school transportation leaders from across Ohio came together to establish what would become the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation (OAPT). Their shared vision was clear — to advance safety, professionalism, and excellence in pupil transportation statewide.
These Charter Members laid the groundwork for the association we know today, setting standards of leadership, collaboration, and commitment that continue to guide OAPT more than six decades later. Their legacy lives on in every bus route, every safety initiative, and every professional development opportunity OAPT supports.
Charter Members of the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation
(Listed by district or affiliation at the time of founding)
Harry Ervin Altman – Findlay City School District, Hancock County
Charles Anderson
George Baver – Beavercreek Local School District, Greene County
Corwin Coe
Robert Costine – St. Clairsville-Richland Local School District, Belmont County
John Crall – Northeastern Local School District, Clark County
Carl Crocker – Kent City School District, Portage County
Edwin Cozort
Frank Dugan – Morgan Local School District, Morgan County
Floyd Dunn – Brunswick City School District, Medina County
Edward France – Xenia City School District, Greene County
Carl Gillespie – Southeast Local School District, Portage County
Richard Heakin – Osnaburg Local School District, Stark County
James Hurley – Ohio Department of Education, Area Coordinator
Lee King – Three Rivers Local School District, Hamilton County
Ralph Lawrence
Arthur Macklin
Alvin Minzer – Warren City School District, Trumbull County
Eugene Philhower
Lloyd Piper – Mount Vernon City School District, Knox County
Lawrence Pugsley – Brecksville City School District, Cuyahoga County
Charles Reichley – Northern Local School District, Perry County
F. W. Slaybaugh – Indian Valley Local School District, Tuscarawas County
George R. Sontag – Centerville City School District, Montgomery County
Glenn Steinfurth – Crestwood Local School District, Portage County
Glenn Wilhelm – Centerville City School District, Montgomery County
