The Virginia Association for Pupil Transportation is hosting its second annual statewide "Best" School Bus Technician competition on April 6 with the winner moving on to the NAPT America's Best School Bus Technician Skills and Training event scheduled for late September in San Antonio, Texas.

Richard White of York County Public Schools won Virginia's inaugural competition last year hosted by local school bus dealer Sonny Merryman, Inc., in Lynchburg. The 2011 qualifier is scheduled to be held at Spotsylvania County Fleet Services. 

The state event consists of both a school bus technical knowledge written exam and a hands-on diagnostic and troubleshooting exercise. Awards are presented to the first, second and third place finishers. More information is posted on the VAPT Web site by clicking the "Technician Competition" link.

NAPT's 2011 America's Best School Bus Technician and School Bus Inspector Competition sponsored by Hydrotex, Zonar Systems, ASE and Bus Parts Warehouse is hosted by the Texas School Bus Technicians Association.