Brockport transportation director
achieves national status

Joseph L. LaMarca, transportation director at Brockport Central Schools, received certification as a Director of Pupil Transportation by the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT). LaMarca is only the 63rd person in the United States to achieve this recognition.

The NAPT Professional Certification Program recognizes the achievements and expertise of people in various administrative positions within the pupil transportation field. As part of the certification process, LaMarca completed 20 hours of NAPT-approved workshops, attended NAPT Annual Conferences and took a three-hour written exam. LaMarca sees himself as a life-long learner. He is working on his Master School Bus Driver Instructor Certification from the New York State Education Department and attending the Medaille College accelerated program for an associate's degree in Business.

Director of transportation at Brockport for nine years, and safety coordinator two years prior to that, LaMarca was glad he received extra training from NAPT. "I was able to bring valuable information back to my staff," he said. "Safety is key when you're working with students."

One thing LaMarca has done to make buses safer was to advocate for mandatory seatbelt use by all passengers on buses; which was adopted by the Board of Education. He also facilitates a safety committee, which includes drivers, monitors and office staff. The committee organizes drills for the bus drivers and monitors to prepare them for emergency situations, such as a smoke-filled bus or a bus on its side, and emergency evacuations. " Even though we hope these situations never arise, it is important to be prepared in case an accident happens," said LaMarca. Brockport also offers rigorous training for new drivers, which includes two to four weeks of training with a senior driver.

LaMarca oversees a staff of 146, which includes bus drivers, monitors, mechanics and office staff.

The transportation department is featured on the district's Web site. For information visit www.brockport.k12.ny.us.