Patricia Almaraz
Assistant Director of Transportation
Goose Creek CISD
Assistant Director of Transportation
Goose Creek CISD
My name is Patricia Almaraz, and I am running for the office of President-Elect for the 2021-22 school year. TAPT is a great organization that provides professional development, certification programs, collaboration and support for EVERY school district staff in the State of Texas regardless of title. TAPT promotes safe and efficient pupil transportation; encourages the exchange of ideas and cooperation between transportation departments across the state; and works to improve pupil transportation policies, standards, and equipment locally statewide and nationally.
I was recently asked “Why would you want to be President?” My answer is simple, If I can inspire, motivate and encourage other individuals to utilize TAPT to grow within this industry and become great leaders, and they can turn around and take the same guidance to inspire, motivate, and encourage others to do the same then we will continue our mission to improve the pupil transportation industry within our organization. On September 25, 2020 NAPT posted a thought of the day; “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others” (Jack Welch), and this phrase states exactly what my mentors have taught me, and what I will continue to preach.
I am currently the Assistant Director of Transportation at Goose Creek CISD, but journey began in the summer of 2014 as a school bus driver and TAPT has been there every step of the way. I registered and completed the Trainer Academy administered by the Region IV Training Center and completed several TAPT courses in pursuit of obtaining my Official Professional Certification which I obtained in 2018. With my desire and drive to achieve excellence within the pupil transportation industry, I continued to grow professionally in each one of the positions I have held throughout my career. Because of TAPT, the mentors and leaders I have met, and the networking opportunities TAPT has helped me create, I know my leadership skills, passion, and dedication for student transportation will help me inspire, motivate and encourage others to further greatness.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas of where I attended and completed my secondary level education at Spring Branch ISD. I am currently enrolled in school and in marginal steps working towards obtaining my bachelor’s degree. I am a mother of 4 beautiful girls, Cassidy, Mallorie, Natalie and Emma and engaged to my best friend Danny who remind me daily of the things that matter and continuously inspire me work hard and never give up. During our free time we enjoy spending time together as a family, but our favorite pastime is family movie night.
I have learned so much serving as your 18-19 and 19-20 Historian, and currently serving as the 20-21 TAPT Secretary. It would be an honor to have the opportunity to continue to expand my knowledge and serve you as the 2021-2022 TAPT President-Elect. I appreciate the continued support and the opportunity to make a positive impact for our future.