Poplar Bluff Schools earned a pair of statewide awards during the 59th annual Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation conference and trade show hosted this week in Columbia.

Jason Davis of the R-I Transportation Department was chosen as driver of the year and Jon McKinney was named the 2024 administrator of the year on Wednesday and Thursday, July 10-11, during the longstanding awards program, established approximately 50 years ago.

The administration award is designated for a MOAPT member who has “contributed to the advancement of pupil transportation supervision” while exhibiting “outstanding leadership and professional conduct in the school transportation field,” according to the organization.

“Jon is a great leader and makes the safety of our students and staff a top priority,” stated Jami Halley, dispatcher and administrative assistant to McKinney. “He is always willing to do whatever is needed to make sure that our Transportation Department is running smoothly.”

McKinney, R-I director of student services and transportation, is entering his third year at Poplar Bluff of over 25 in public education, having previously served as principal at districts throughout the region. He is presently working toward his doctorate in educational leadership from William Woods University in Fulton.

Halley credits her supervisor for keeping the department fully staffed for the balance of his tenure here, working “incredibly hard to create an environment that people want to continue to work in.” He has also prioritized professional development for the department, hosting MOAPT and Transportation Security Administration officials to provide training for area schools.

Further, McKinney has worked with the Missouri Department of Transportation to install a new solar flashing school zone sign at Lake Road Elementary plus adopted a service project, delivering presents to families in need through AmeriCorps’ Project Christmas Promise. “Poplar Bluff Transportation has improved so much in many ways since he has taken over,” Halley wrote.

The top bus driver award is reserved for an individual who goes “above and beyond the call of duty,” according to the organization. Davis, who is entering his eighth year as bus driver for the district, additionally serves as certified trainer and inspector, on top of running daily routes. Last year, he placed third in MOAPT’s bus inspector and technician competition.

According to the nomination submitted by McKinney, Davis’ “impact on our department has been nothing short of remarkable.” The director continued: “His leadership and willingness to step in wherever needed has been instrumental in our operations.” Davis was commended for serving as the department's lead trainer, onboarding new drivers along with district educators seeking to earn commercial driver’s licenses, while servicing and inspecting buses to help ensure the fleet is road-ready.

“My goal and mission is to be able to pass down the knowledge and skills to new drivers and to [help them] find the same love and passion for their jobs as I have for mine,” Davis said, noting that he takes to heart his job of being the “first line of communication” for students each day.

In addition to recognizing a sole bus driver and administrator each year, MOAPT honors a distinguished service recipient and awards a continuing education grant at the workshop. The nonprofit was established in 1965 to provide resources and support to transportation professionals across the state responsible for the safe transit of students. For more information, visit MOAPT Website.

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Cutline: Pictured with R-I Assistant Superintendent of Business Charles Kinsey (left) and Superintendent Dr. Aaron Cornman (right), Director of Student Services and Transportation Jon McKinney was named 2024 MOAPT administrator of the year today during the nonprofit’s annual conference.