It is my honor to serve on the Executive Board of the Arkansas Association of Pupil Transportation.
During the annual conference in the summer of 2026, the Arkansas Association of Pupil Transportation will be recognizing Transportation employees from districts throughout the state for their services in the following areas:
● School Bus Driver of the Year
● Susie Everett Award
● Award of Excellence
● Sheila Hart Award for Heroism
● Humanitarian Award
The candidates will be nominated by their District’s Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent/ Director of Operations, Director of Transportation, or Supervisor(s). Each award will have certain criteria that will need to be met.
School Bus Driver of the Year:
CRITERIA – To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
● Nominees must be employed as a substitute or full-time school bus driver for a period of five (5) years preceding the date of the application.
● Nominees must have no at-fault accidents in any vehicle for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of the application. This involves any accident in which the driver is considered to be at fault regardless of whether a citation is issued or not.
● Nominees must have no moving violations in any vehicle for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of the application.
● Nominees must have an outstanding record of attendance for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of application.
● Nominees must demonstrate the ability to maintain good student conduct and discipline.
● Nominees must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety laws, and local policy.
● Nominee’s participation in Advanced Driver Training is preferred.
● Nominee’s involvement in Community or Civic activities or organization is preferred.
Susie Everett Award:
CRITERIA – To be eligible, the following criteria must be met:
● Nominees must be employed as a pupil transportation support staff member (i.e. bus driver, bus attendant, secretary, dispatcher, or router) two (2) years preceding the date of the application.
● Nominees must have an outstanding record of attendance for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of the application.
● Nominees must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety laws, and local policy.
● Nominees must show participation in continuing education through professional development opportunities.
● Nominee’s involvement in Community or Civic activities or organization is preferred
Award of Excellence:
CRITERIA – To be eligible, the following criteria must be met.
● Nominees must be employed as a pupil transportation support staff member (i.e.) bus driver, bus attendant, secretary, dispatcher, or router two (2) years preceding the date of application.
● Nominees must have an outstanding record of attendance for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of application.
● Nominees must have no at fault accidents in any vehicle for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of application.
● Nominees must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of equipment, safety laws, and local policy.
● Nominees must demonstrate excellence in customer service.
● Nominees must demonstrate going the extra mile to make sure students, fellow drivers, administration, and parents are satisfied.
● Nominees must demonstrate going above and beyond to serve others with a positive attitude.
Sheila Hart Award:
This one would be given when needed for an act of heroism by a driver.
Humanitarian Award:
CRITERIA-To be eligible, the following criteria must be met.
● Nominees must be employed as substitute bus drivers, full-time bus drivers or bus attendants for a period of two (2) years preceding the date of application.
● Nominees must go out of their way to help the students up and above the normal standards of a bus driver or bus attendant.
Letters of recommendation are not needed from everyone listed above but will be accepted. A complete resume and background for the nominee is required.
The return deadline for all nominations is April 30, 2026.
Check your email for documents sent by Tom Hills or email Tom if you need assistance.
Tom Hills
Transportation Director 501-362-4108