2015-2016 TAPT Executive Committee Candidates

2015-2016
TAPT
Executive Committee
Candidates
Mike Williams
Area Director – Dallas County Schools
Candidate for President
Mike Williams has been employed by Dallas County Schools (DCS) for the
past sixteen years. Currently Mike is the Area Director at the North Dallas
Service Center working within the Dallas Independent School District. Prior
to being employed with DCS, Mike was the Transportation Director for
Rockwall Independent School District.
School transportation is a very familiar subject to Mike. He has spent thirtyfive years of his career within school transportation. He began his career as
the Transportation Director for Lake Dallas ISD for twelve years. Then,
Mike moved on to serve as the Division Manager and Corporate Operations
Director for Laidlaw Transit, Inc. and Southwest Student Transportation,
LLC. Mike has served as the Transportation Director throughout many
school districts within Texas and Oklahoma.
As an active member of the North Texas Chapter of Texas Association for
Pupil Transportation (NTAPT) Mike has served on the Executive Committee
as Historian, Secretary, President-Elect, President and Ex-Officio President.
Mike is very active in the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation
(TAPT) and is currently serving as President-Elect. He has also served on the
Executive Committee as Treasurer for two years, Secretary, Historian, and as
Area 2 Director for two years. Mike served on the Scholarship, Site Selection, Constitution, and Membership Committees.
In 2010, Mike was the Companion Program Chairman at the Arlington TAPT Conference. Mike is serving on the TAPT
Legislative, Budget, Membership and Certification Committees at the present time.
Other certification’s Mike has obtained are Texas Pupil Transportation Official, Texas Pupil Transportation Supervisor,
and is a Master Instructor for TAPT.
Mike serves as an instructor at the Texas Homeland Security Conference, Governor’s Emergency Management
Conference, and for the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO). Mike is currently serving as the
Transportation Committee Chairperson for TASBO.
Mike has also served has a Texas State delegate at the Southeastern States Pupil Transportation conference for the last
eight years. And is a member of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).
In addition, Mike is retired from the U.S. Post Office where he was employed as Postmaster in Lake Dallas, Texas. Mike
served as an Army Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division.
Mike has been married to his loving wife, Betty, for forty-five years. They have been blessed with three children (a
daughter and twin sons), six beautiful grandchildren, and three grand-dogs.
During Mike’s spare time, he enjoys the pleasures of the fresh country air working and hunting on the family farm in
Cooper, Texas.
Jim Abney
Director of Transportation – Alvin ISD
Candidate for President-Elect
I have been a member of the Texas Association for Pupil Transportation
since 1995 and presently serve as the Director of Transportation and Safety
for the Alvin Independent School District.
I retired from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1995 and began my career in
transportation with Alvin ISD as their Operations Manager. In 1999, I
accepted the position of Director of Transportation for Friendswood ISD
until 2002 when I then accepted the Director of Transportation position with
Santa Fe ISD. In January of 2010, the door opened up for my return to Alvin
ISD where my roots were planted in transportation and assumed the duties of
Director of Transportation and Safety that May.
I received my TAPT Official Certification in 1999 and presently serve as the
TAPT Legislative Chairman. In the past I have served on the TAPT
nominating committee, served as the TAPT Area 3 Director and served 6
years on the Gulf Coast Association for Pupil Transportation Executive
Committee where I held the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President,
President Elect, President and Ex-Officio. I also serve as a Texas Delegate
for the South Eastern States Pupil Transportation Conference each year.
I have also been a member of the Texas Association for School Business
Officials since 1996 and hold a TASBO CTSBS Certification in
Transportation. I have also served a number of years on the TASBO
Transportation Advisory Committee.
I have been married to my wife Debbie for 34+ years; have 2 sons, Derrick and Dustin and 3 grandchildren in which my
world revolves. My favorite past time is staying active with my grandchildren and running Ultra Marathon races to raise
awareness for pediatric cancer.
Having served as a Transportation Director for 15 of my 20 years since retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard and having
been active these past 20 years within TAPT, I believe I am very qualified to serve as your President Elect and would
greatly appreciate your vote!
Thank you!
Ron Mack
Station Manager – Northside ISD
Candidate for President-Elect
Ron Mack has been employed with the Northside Independent School
District’s (NISD) Transportation department from September 1999 to
present. He has held positions as a Bus Driver, Trainer, Forum
Representative, Assistant Station Manager, and Station Manager at the
Culebra, Rhodes and presently manages 200 employees at the McClung
Station. Ron has been very active in the Centex Affiliate Chapter of the
Texas Association for Pupil Transportation (TAPT) where he has served as
the Vice-President, President-Elect, President and Ex-Officio. In addition,
he is very active and involved with TAPT and has participated in numerous
Road-e-o events as a participant, judge, and scoring tabulator. In addition,
he has served on TAPT’s Executive Committee as the Area 4 Director for
two years and Parliamentarian for one year. He received his Certified Texas
Pupil Transportation Official status in 2002 and continues to attend
certification classes to stay current in the Pupil Transportation field. He sits
on the Board of Directors for the Royal Ambassador’s Ministry,
participates in various ministries within his church and does volunteer work
throughout San Antonio. Ron entered the United States Air Force in August
1969 and retired in September 1999 as a Chief Master Sergeant culminating
a long and distinguished career in the service to his country. He holds a
Bachelor of Science in Management and Associate Degrees in Personnel
Administration and Airframe Technology. His hobbies include singing, music and traveling. He has been married to his
lovely Sherilyn Y. (Ivey) Mack for 40 years.
Debbie Jones
Director of Transportation – Columbia-Brazoria ISD
Candidate for Secretary
I have been in school transportation for 20 years. I started my journey as a
bus driver here at Columbia Brazoria ISD, progressing to video clerk and
trainer. Later, I took on the position of Transportation Supervisor for Alvin
ISD. I then came back home and became the Director of Transportation for
Columbia Brazoria.
I have served for 4 years on the Gulf Coast Chapter Committee. I served as
Area 3 Director for TAPT for 2 years and also TAPT Secretary.
I completed my TAPT transportation Official; certified Child Passenger
Safety Technician, School Bus Driver Master Certification Instructor.
I was the 18th person in the nation to receive my Special Needs Endorsement
from NAPT.
I am very active in School Bus Safety Road-e-o. I completed in the State
Special Needs Team Road-e-o and have represented the State of Texas at
the National Special Team Road-e-o in 2008.
I have been married to David B. Jones for 35 years and we have 3 children
and 6 grandchildren.
I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to work for you as part of the
TAPT committee for 2015-2016. I would be honored to receive your vote
for the Secretary position.
Ernest Del Bosque
Assistant Director of Transportation – Garland ISD
Candidate for Secretary
Hello Transportation Colleagues,
I am Ernest Del Bosque. I am seeking your support to allow me the
opportunity to serve you as Secretary for the Texas Association of Pupil
Transportation’s Executive Committee.
I am currently happily serving on the Executive Committee as Area 2
Director. I have truly enjoyed the duties and responsibilities that
accompany that position. I would like to continue being involved in the
organization primarily to continue the awesome job that this group does.
I am currently the Assistant Director of Transportation for the Garland
Independent School District since 2011. Previously, I was the Director of
Transportation in Beeville, Tx. The move from Beeville (3,500 students),
to Garland (58,000 students) was a challenge that I readily accepted. I am
ready to accept the highly detailed duties that the office of Secretary is
responsible for.
Shanna Speller
Routing Supervisor – North East ISD
Candidate for Secretary
My name is Shana Speller and I am the Routing Supervisor for North East
ISD in San Antonio, TX. I have been in school bus transportation for 15
years this April. I have also been a Bus driver, a Field Trip Coordinator and
a Special Ed Route Coordinator. I am currently the Secretary for TAPT and
I have served as Secretary, President Elect and President for the Region XI
chapter. I am also a Supervisor and an Official with TAPT. When I am not
at work, I like to spend time with family and friends. My 16 year old son is
the joy of my life. He is currently a junior in high school and looking
forward to his senior year. I really enjoy being a part of the TAPT family
and I look forward to running for office again.
Gerardo “Jerry” Márquez, Jr.
Director of Transportation – Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD
Candidate for Historian
For the past three years I have been the Director of Transportation at
Coldspring-Oakhurst C.I.S.D. Previously, I worked at Houston I.S.D. where
I progressively advanced to the position of Manager in the Transportation
Services Department. In the 14 years that I have been involved with
Transportation, I have learned the "ins and outs" of the Transportation
Industry in part to great teachings that I have received in the past from great
leaders in this ever-changing industry from people like Aaron D. Hobbs,
Laura Villanueva, Charley Kennington and Paul Youngjohn.
Among my several achievements in Transportation, I have managed school
bus drivers in the largest district in the state of Texas, Houston ISD. While
at Houston I.S.D. I gained a passion for this field even though I was just
passing through when I landed my first job in Transportation.
In my current position at Coldspring-Oakhurst C.I.S.D., I have modernized a
rural district’s transportation department by upgrading an aging bus fleet. I
have standardized transportation procedures for the students who ride our
buses and also for our bus drivers and bus attendants. In addition, I have
created a safety bus program that not only focuses on the needs of our
district’s transportation department but which I have made available to
surrounding districts that might not house such programs. I have expanded
the communication coverage area that our motor pool needed to communicate with our buses while on the road and I have
begun to bring in the available technology to aid in our day-to-day operations. Currently, I am constructing a new motor
pool which will house a dayroom for our drivers as well as the call-center.
My professional business-like approach has earned the respect of coworkers and subdominants throughout the districts
that I have worked with. Employees often seek ask for my advice and assistance in resolving issues relating to students,
parents and/or with their bus routes. I have heard it many times before that I allow individuals to feel comfortable with me
when they approach me because they know that I will listen, work with them, treat them fairly and if I don’t know the
answer, I’ll find it for them and follow through to the end. During my younger years, I served in the USAF as a pilot and
it is during those years that I began to evolve into the leader that I have become.
Lao Tzu, a Chinese Taoist Philosopher once said, “A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is
done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” I’d like to believe that this quote describes who I am as a
Transportation Director since I do what I do because it comes from within my heart and not for praise or glory. I have a
passion for this industry and a great desire to help those who call me their manager and to support those who I work for.
Aside of work and in my personal life, I am passionate about history and photography and I think that this will allow me
to give great dedication to TAPT if elected as Historian. In addition, I know that I would have a tremendous sense of
satisfaction simply by contributing back to this great organization, TAPT, for all the training and knowledge that it has
given me through the years.
Michael Self
Mechanic – Belton ISD
Candidate for Historian
Michael Self was born in Big Springs, Texas in 1977. Michael has been in
the Belton area for 18 years. Michael is an employee for Belton ISD in
Belton, Texas. His current position is as a mechanic for Belton ISD
Transportation. Michael has worked in a school district - transportation for
over 17 years. In this position, his job is to help maintain all district owned
vehicles and keep them in sound mechanical condition.
Michael attended classes at Temple College, and has received multiple
certifications in the field of mechanics. The certificates awarded from
Temple College are as follows: Automotive Parts Technician, Basic Parts
Services and Drivability. His major was Transportation Technology. He
has also been recognized by Property Casualty Alliance of Texas as Bus
Driver of the Year.
Michael was elected as Historian for the Heart of Texas Chapter of TAPT
for the last in 2005. He has been serving in this position for the last 10
years. Michael was also elected to be the TASBT Area 4 Director in 2013.
In spite of working full-time and spending time with his son Ben, he still
manages to dedicate a portion of his time to helping the transportation
department in his spare time. Michael enjoys going to church, helping
others, and he loves to run.
Angel Kersten
Management Specialist – Clear Creek ISD
Candidate for Historian
Greetings TAPT Members!
It has been my absolute pleasure serving as your Historian for the 20142015 school year and I am again asking for your support as I seek reelection for a position that I have enjoyed every moment of serving. I would
be honored to serve as your Historian for the 2015-2016 school year. I am
currently employed as the Management Specialist for the Clear Creek ISD
Transportation Department. I have been in the Public Transportation
industry since 2004. I have enjoyed learning the different aspects of what
makes a Transportation Department successful and look forward to many
more years in this industry that cares so passionately about Safe Pupil
Transportation.
I have also had the pleasure of serving as an Executive Committee Member
for the Gulf Coast Chapter for Pupil Transportation as the Secretary, Vice
President, President-Elect, President, and ending my tenure as the PastPresident. I have also contributed many hours as a volunteer in different
capacities for the School Bus Road-e-o at the District, Regional, and State
Level. I am extremely passionate in making sure out members are provided
the most current and beneficial industry information. Information that will
not only continue to make school buses the sagest mode of transportation for
our children but also provide greater financial support for the School Districts across the State of Texas. I would embrace
the opportunity to once again serve for an organization that works diligently in providing its members with information
that can be utilized in developing them into sage and successful Pupil Transportation employees.
If given the chance again to serve on this committee, I will wholeheartedly strive to make creditable contributions to
TAPT as it continues on its endeavor to provide its members with up to date information and instructional methods that
are pertinent to the continual success of safely transporting our students which include my two teenagers as well as my
four grandchildren of which three are triplets that were born in 2014 and will one day ride on the “Big Yellow School
Bus”. With that being said, I am asking you to consider casting your vote for me, Angel Kersten, to serve as your 20152016 TAPT Historian.
Kayne M. Smith
Assistant Director of Human Resources/Transportation – Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Candidate for Historian
TAPT family,
My name is Kayne M. Smith, and I am running for the office of Historian on
the TAPT Executive Committee for the 2015-2016 school year. Currently I
serve as the Assistant Director of Human Resources/Transportation for
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I am in my eleventh year in public education,
serving as a high school social studies teacher, coach, and transportation
director prior to assuming my current role. I have been involved in school
transportation continuously since 2003 when I started as a school bus driver
with Port Neches-Groves ISD while pursuing my bachelor’s degree.
I am currently a doctoral candidate in education with Texas A&M
University-Commerce. My dissertation, Texas School District Liability in
Pupil Transportation: a Legal Analysis of the Texas Tort Claims Act and
Sovereign Immunity will be defended in March 2015 with an anticipated
graduation with my Doctorate in Educational Leadership in May 2015. I
hold a Masters in Education from LeTourneau University and my Bachelors
from Lamar University.
My wife, Emily, is an attorney for a law firm in Houston. My son, Henry,
will be one St. Patrick’s Day 2015, and we are expecting our second child,
Eli, to arrive in April 2015.
I have been actively involved in TAPT since 2004 and immediately began building a relationship with the many
professionals who hold a wealth of knowledge and are willing to give guidance to aspiring professionals. TAPT was
founded on education, and I want to ensure that we continue to build our organization on the foundation of experience,
camaraderie, trust, knowledge, and development. Through the continued support of countless individuals, I achieved my
TAPT Official Certification in 2008 and have served as a certification instructor for various courses and I currently serve
as the Chairperson of the Research Committee.
The mission of TAPT is to “encourage the exchange of ideas and cooperation between transportation departments across
the Lone Star State.” If elected, I will work to ensure that we will continue this endeavor and work diligently to serve you
and pursue growth in our great organization.
I would welcome the opportunity to serve you, our organization, and most importantly, our students as your Historian.
Aric Taylor
Assistant Director of Transportation – Conroe ISD
Candidate for Parliamentarian
A graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula, Aric began his career
in school transportation while working as a trainer and consultant with
Education Logistics Inc. an industry leader in school transportation
software. After nine years and working with over 150 districts throughout
the United States and Canada with Edulog, Aric accepted the newly created
position of Manager of Routing & Scheduling with the Houston
Independent School District.
At Houston, Aric managed the team responsible for the transportation of
30,000+ students daily, on 800 routes to 300+ schools. With the experience
gained from this work, Aric has been asked to speak at various conferences
such as The National Association for Pupil Transportation and National
Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.
In 2012 Aric accepted the position of Assistant Director of Transportation
for the Conroe Independent School District. He received his Officials
Certification (#565), and is an instructor for Routing & Scheduling, NCLB
and Student Safety Management classes and at the 41st TAPT Conference
was voted as Parliamentarian and is eager to continue working with the
TAPT Executive Committee. Aric is the father of Amanda age 10, and in
his spare time enjoys wood working and visiting national parks with
Amanda.
Randy Gover
Director of Transportation – Abilene ISD
Candidate for Parliamentarian
Randy Gover earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in
College Station and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the
University of Central Texas (now Tarleton Central Texas). He served 22
years as an Army officer specializing in maintenance and logistics.
He is a certified teacher and principal and is currently the transportation
director at Abilene ISD. He taught high school in Whitney and Gatesville,
TX where he also drove a regular school bus route and extracurricular trips.
He served as an assistant principal and later as transportation director in
Mineral Wells, TX.
Randy was recognized by the Region XI APT chapter for his service as
special needs chairman in the 2013-14 school year. He is now serving as
Vice-President of the Big Country APT which serves the ESC 14 service
area.
Georgina “Susie” Waugh
Technology Data Analyst – Dallas County Schools
Candidate for Area 2 Director
Susie has been with Dallas County Schools (DCS) for the past 16 years.
She was hired on at the Irving Service Center with DCS as a bus driver for
the Special Ed Deaf children in 1999. From there she went into the office
in the summer of 2000 to help with the computer programs. She then was
assigned the Trips Dispatcher at the Irving Service Center working with the
Irving Independent School District. She transferred to North Dallas Service
Center and worked as the Secretary to the Area Director working with the
Dallas Independent School District. In addition to her assignments while at
North Dallas, Susie also assisted in Human Resources and Technology,
along with conducting training classes. She currently works in the
Technology Department as a Technology Data Analyst working with
Transportation staff and Administration with the Help Desk and
PowerFleet. She also has conducted trainings and supports all the various
ISD staff employees that Dallas County Schools servers along with Soccoro
ISD.
During TAPT she assists her boss, Leatha Mullins, with the
Technology classes.
Susie is an active member of the North Texas Chapter of Texas Association
for Pupil Transportation (NTAPT) and Texas Association for Pupil
Transportation (TAPT). Susie is currently a Certified Texas Pupil
Transportation Official and Supervisor through Texas Association for Pupil
Transportation (TAPT). She has also served as a judge for the local chapter road-e-o. Susie is currently serving with
NTAPT as the Chairperson for the Scholarship Committee since 2011.
In addition, Susie is retired from the General Telephone (GTE) where she served 18 1/2 years.
Susie is an active member of the Grace Pionte Church in Irving, Texas. She also has been blessed with two children; a
son (Edward), daughter (Jana), son-in-law (Derrick), a beautiful granddaughter (Karli) and another grandchild due in
January 2015.
When she is not working for Dallas County Schools/Texserve, Susie enjoys spending time with family and friends. She
also enjoys hunting and fishing with her brothers.
I would cherish the opportunity to serve and represent you and your district as your Area 2 Director.
Angela Lamb-Waddell
Director of Transportation – Chapel Hill ISD
Candidate for Area 2 Director
Hello Everyone,
I would first like to Thank You All for giving me the opportunity to run for
the Office of Area 2 Director; it is both an honor and a privilege to have the
opportunity to represent our district.
For those who do not know me; my name is: Angela Lamb-Waddell. I am
the Director of Transportation for Chapel Hill ISD where I have worked for
the past 30 years. I started out as a Bus Monitor, then moved up to being a
Bus Driver, later to the position of Secretary of Transportation and
Maintenance, then to Transportation Coordinator, moving to Interim
Transportation Director then finally taking the position of Director.
I not only “Bleed Yellow”, I “Dream It” and “Live and Breathe It”. I have
the belief that if you do something….you do it with all of your might!
I am a graduate of LeTourneau University with a Bachlor Degree in
Business Management. I am a Veteran with 10 years of Military Service. I
am married to my wonderful husband Richard and have helped to raise
seven children. I am currently serving as the President of the East Texas
Chapter of TAPT and have been a member for over 20 years.
I love everything the “Big Yellow Bus” represents and the people who make the Yellow Bus Business possible!
If elected, I will do my best to serve in the best interest of TAPT, Area 2 and everyone involved in helping to make TAPT
the best organization in the State of Texas.
Douglas Becker
Director of Transportation – Frisco ISD
Candidate for Area 2 Director
I was born in Denton, Texas as the fifth of eight children, six girls and two
boys. I am married to my wife, Tamara, for 23 years. Together, we have
two children, Caroline (19) and Samuel (15).
I currently work for Frisco ISD as Director of Transportation since July
2012.
My previous employment prior to Frisco ISD is as follows:
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Dallas ISD, Director of Transportation, 4 years
Dallas County Schools, Area Director of Transportation, 3 years
Denton ISD, Asst. Director/Director, 8 years
Laidlaw Transit, Inc., Division Manager, Plainview ISD and
McKinney ISD, 4 years
Moore Business Forms, Account Representative, 3 years
Denton ISD, Bus Driver, 6 years
I started working as a bus driver in 1985. This was a great job while in
college at University of North Texas working towards a bachelor's degree
in Business Administration.
I have enjoyed being a part of TAPT as I have been a member of since
1997 and have taught several TAPT Certification classes since 2009. I enjoy reading, fishing, guitar and spending time
with family.
Earl Stewart
Transportation Operations Manager – North East ISD
Candidate for Area 4 Director
I have had the great pleasure of working at North East ISD for over 22 years
beginning in July 1992 as a night shift bus mechanic. In 1996 I was
advanced to lead mechanic where I successfully supervisor shop operations
for nearly 3 years. I was then selected in 1997 as the Fleet Forman leading
the two shop operation and over 30 shop personnel for more than 17 years
until I was hired in June 2014 as Operations Manager for the Transportation
Department where I supervise the 450 bus fleet and nearly 500 employees
today.
I hold an Officials certification from TAPT and a Masters certification with
TASBT. I served on the TASBT Board working with many wonderful
people for several years finally serving as TASBT President from 2009 2010.
I look forward to working with the TAPT Board and serving the TAPT
members of area 4.
Michael R. Milnes
Assistant Director of Transportation – Groesbeck ISD
Candidate for Area 4 Director
Hello everyone! My name is Michael R. Milnes, I am the Assistant
Director of Transportation for Groesbeck ISD. I have been driving a School
Bus since February of 1996. I started with Marlin ISD, and moved over
here to Groesbeck. Next Fall, I’ll be starting my 13th year here at
Groesbeck ISD. I am the past (2013-2014) President of the Heart of Texas
Chapter of T.A.P.T. I am married to Samenthia G. Milnes, I have two
beautiful daughters Meagan and Shaina.
Steve Batchelor
Director of Operations – Skidmore-Tynan ISD
Candidate for Area 5 Director
My name is Steve Batchelor. I am the Director of Operations for SkidmoreTynan ISD. I have been in the School Transportation Industry for over 20
years. I spent several years in Central Texas as the Director of
Transportation and Maintenance at Florence Texas. I have been the Director
of Transportation at Skidmore-Tynan ISD and now serve as the Director of
Operations for the District. I am also a DPS / Region 2 Bus certification
Instructor.
I grew up in South Texas. After graduation, I enlisted in the U. S. Army
where I served as a flight medic, Medical NCO and Operations NCO. I now
reside back in South Texas and work in the school district that I grew up in
and graduated from. I enjoy my job and look forward to making positive
contributions to keep our organization moving forward. Thanks
2015-2016
TAPT
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
Proposition 1: Replaces the entire Section 2. Nominating Committee with new language which modifies the
requirement of the Nominating Committee to present a slate with at least two names for each office and only
one candidate for each area. Removes the mention of President as having a separate requirement as
redundant with the new language and clarifies the language to indicate the requirements of all candidates to
provide biography, photo and letter of support.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section 2. Nomination Procedures: The Nominating Committee shall present a ballot, with a slate of at least
two names for each office (except the office of President for which the slate will be presented with at least
one name) to the Executive Committee before January 10th each year. All candidates for office shall
be active members in good standing. Nominees for President-Elect must have a minimum of one year of
service on the TAPT Executive Committee. Only one candidate from each area for each office (except for the
Area Director) should be presented by the Nominating Committee unless no other candidates are available.
These nominees will be presented to the active members of the organization on the official TAPT website.
During the period of time of posting to the website and March 1st additional nominations may be made to the
Ex-Officio by any active member of the Organization. The nominee's consent must be secured, and written
approval from the nominee's school district granting permission for the nominee to serve and indicating
support from the district if the nominee is elected, must be received by the executive committee before the
nomination is made. On March 2nd all nominations will cease and no other nominations will be accepted.
Once the nominations have been finalized by the Executive Committee, the biography and picture of all
candidates on the final ballot will be posted on the TAPT website. At that time early voting will be open. Early
voting will end one week prior to the first official day of the Annual Conference.
Section 2. Nomination Procedures: The Nominating Committee shall present a ballot, with a slate of one or
more names for each office to the Executive Committee before January 10th each year. Nominees for
President-Elect must have a minimum of one year of service on the TAPT Executive Committee within the
previous five (5) years. These nominees will be presented to the active members of the organization on the
official TAPT website. During the period of time of posting to the website and March 1 st additional
nominations may be made to the Ex-Officio by any active member of the Organization. On March 2nd all
nominations will cease, all required documentation from candidates must have been received by the
nominating committee, and no other nominations will be accepted. All candidates for office shall be active
members in good standing, must consent to serve, provide a biography, picture, and written approval from
the nominee's school district granting permission for the nominee to serve, indicating support from the
nominee’s district if the nominee is elected to the Executive Committee. Once the nominations have been
finalized by the Executive Committee, the biographies and pictures of all candidates to be placed on the final
ballot will be posted on the TAPT website. At that time early voting will be open. Early voting will end one
week prior to the first official day of the Annual Conference.
[The original reason for the Nominating Committee was to insure that the organization would have a slate of
candidates ready, willing and able to serve in each position on the Executive Committee. These changes
reflect that by removing requirements that force the committee to present candidate that are less than willing
(“at least two names for each office”) or turning away candidates (“Only one candidate from each area should
be presented”). The Nominating Committee will still provide willing and qualified candidates for each office
without turning away willing candidated or compelling less willing candidates to run.]
Proposition 2: Adding language relating to the recording and publishing of Election Results.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section 4. Officers:
Sub-Section a: Election Results: The election results will be entered into the minutes of Executive
Committee meeting following the receipt of the certified results by the President, and will be placed on the
organizations website in the members only section.
[This change adds language allowing for a method for the election results to be added to the minutes of the
organization and creates a way for members to have access to the results]
Proposition 3: Allowing for the removal of a member of the Executive Committee for cause.
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS:
Section 6. Executive Committee:
Sub-section f. Removal of an Executive Committee member: Members of the Executive Committee may
be subject to reprimand, censure, suspension and/or termination from office by a two thirds (2/3) vote of the
Executive Committee for obstructive behavior affecting mission/goals of the association, violating the Bylaws
of the association, misconduct or neglect of duties as stated in the constitution, and/or any behaviour
injurious to the association. No action shall be taken against any member of the Executive Committee until
he/she has been advised of specific charges, given reasonable time to prepare a response, and afforded a fair
hearing process before the Executive Committee. It is also incumbent upon the Executive Committee to
validate justification of reason for charges for removal from office. If the Executive Committee member is
removed for cause, the Executive Committee President will adhere to Article VI of the TAPT Constitution and
By-Laws to fill the vacated position.
[Currently there is no language in the constitution allowing for the removal of an Executive Committee
Member. This allows the Executive Committee to remove from office an Executive Committee member that
has violated the Bylaws or acted in a manor injurious to the organization. It is recommended that any
organization that elects officers has in place a mechanism to remove officers.]
Proposition 4: Adding language to allow the President-Elect to become the president of the association at the
end of the current president’s term
ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS
Section 7. Officer Duties
Sub-Section b. President-Elect: The President-Elect shall become the president of the association at the end of
the current president’s term and shall preside in the absence of the President. The President-Elect shall serve
as the chairperson of the Membership Committee as well as the Honoree Selection Committee. The President
Elect presents, in conjunction with the President, all honorees to the membership as well as serves as the
Emcee for the major conference events not emceed by the President. Acts as the overall Conference
Coordinator with the Secretary and works closely with the Secretary and the Executive Secretary in this regard
which includes but is not limited to all formal functions, including entertainment, preparation and menus. The
President-Elect assists the President by sharing the visitation load to the local chapter meetings and functions
throughout the year. The President-Elect will perform all other duties as assigned by the President.
[This places in the constitution the automatic transition from President Elect to President which has been the
long standing practice of the organization.]
Proposition 5: Adding language to allow for the appointment to the Executive Committee a member in good
standing to fill any position where no member is willing to serve through the election process.
ARTICLE VI. VACANCIES
Section 9. Appointment Due to Failure to Elect: When an Executive Committee vacancy occurs due to
no candidate having come forward prior to or during the nomination process and no one is nominated from
the floor at the last session of the TAPT annual meeting, the Executive Committee members shall convene to
appoint a qualified person (a TAPT member in good standing as validated by the Executive Secretary) to fill the
vacant position. The appointed member must agree to the appointment, must secure consent and written
approval from his/her school district granting permission to serve on the TAPT Executive Committee,
indicating support from their district. This consent form must be received no-later-than 10 working days after
notification of their appointment. Once the consent form has been received by the Executive Committee and
the member is deemed to be in good standing, the appointment is valid and will be communicated to the
TAPT members via e-groups, Chapter meetings, Area Directors and/or TAPT website.
[This section would only apply if the Nominating Committee failed to find a willing candidate, no willing
candidate was nominated by the body at large, and no one came forward during the annual meeting. Rather
than leave a vacancy the Executive Committee would seek to appoint a member who would be willing to
serve.]