The Sixth Annual Texas Association for Pupil Transportation was held in Corpus Christi, Texas (The Sparkling City by the Sea) the week of June 10-13, 1979.

At the first General Session President Ray L. Westmoreland called the meeting to order and introduced Keynote Speaker Edward Emmett, State Representative of the 78^th Legislative District.

As a member of the House Transportation Committee he addressed several issues relative to school transportation.

A record number of delegates and vendors were in attendance. At the outset of the conference one could experience that this was the beginning of a prosperous future for TAPT.

• An invitation to attend the Sixth Annual Conference was mailed to every school district in Texas.
• The total number of delegates in attendance were in access of 900.
• Vendor’s response was overwhelming. A record number of vendors participated.
• The first comprehensive conference program was organized and published for conference attendees. To date much of the original ideas and format have been duplicated by the TAPT as well as the NAPT.
• The first TAPT banner was displayed behind the podium. (Compliments of Sidwell Signs of Galveston Texas)
• The first companion program was hosted by Corpus Christi I.S.D.
• During the year TAPT was granted tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.

• Gabe Gilley TEA Transportation Director was honored as the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. To date this award has been given annually.
• At the conclusion of the conference the first meeting of outgoing and incoming members of the Executive Committee met to make a smooth transition of business.
• A "Luau" and dance to the music provided by Eddie Galvan’s Band was enjoyed by all in attendance at the evening gathering hosted by vendors.

• Representatives of the Texas Education Agency conducted various workshops related to transportation topics and legislative updates.
• A slide tape presentation on equipment available to transport the handicapped was presented.
• A slide tape presentation was presented on the McCauley School Bus Accident.
• A representative from the DPS discussed and revealed school bus accident statistics. In addition, a workshop was held on techniques of accident investigation.
• The State Board of Control reviewed the current school bus specifications and purchasing procedure.
• A presentation by the Houston Belt and Terminal Railroad was held related to school bus railroad crossing safety.
• Vendors conducted a workshop to include automatic transmission, diesel engines, bus bodies and chassis, shop maintenance records, shop scheduling and various other products and procedures.
• The Mechanic’s Workshop was held at the Corpus Christi I.S.D. Transportation Facility.
• The Regional Service Center presented issues relative to bus
  driver recruitment, training, supervision, counseling and documentation. Also student training to include methods and materials.

Ray L. Westmoreland President

Alex McKee Vice President

Howard McFarland Secretary-Treasure

Charles Baumgartner Secretary-Treasure-Elect

Pete Martinez Member at Large

Sam Muraca Member at Large

Larry Sanders Member at Large

Fred A, Christian Ex-Officio

David Terry Specifications

Diane Sherwood Conference Program

Jim Wright Registration

Al Lum Vendor Coordinator

Fred Christian Site

Jim Wright Legislative

Marvin Guy, Chairman,   Dick Carroll,

Gerald Lambert Nominating Committee

A. R. "Rusty" Rowe 1973-74

Gayland Walker 1974-75

William J. "Coach" Ford 1975-76

J. D. Littrell 1976-77

Fred Christian 1977-78

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Last Update: 10/22/2001
Web Author: Jaime Gallego
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