Capital Chapter
Washington Association for Pupil Transportation
Register now for the 2026 Mid Winter Conference!
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: Doors open 7:00, Program begins 8:00
Location: Olympia High School - 1302 North St SE, Olympia
Register by January 30th to guarantee a lunch.
Registrations received after this date may not include lunch.
Attendee Registration: $75.00
(includes Meconi's boxed sub sandwich lunch)
Vendor Registration: $100.00 (includes one lunch)
Additional table space can be purchased for $25.00 per table.
Additional lunches can be purchased for $16.00
VIP Registration: $16.00
(includes Meconi's boxed sub sandwich lunch)
*WAPT State Board, RTC's, and OSPI Staff Only*
Keynote Speaker: Tara Soesbe
"Be a Champion: Make a Lasting Impact"
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Being a champion isn’t about a title; it’s about showing up, even on the hard days. In this energizing and heartfelt keynote, Tara Soesbe reminds anyone that fights for kids that their influence starts long before the school bell rings and lasts long after students leave the bus. Through powerful stories, practical mindset shifts, and a touch of humor, Tara highlights how consistency, connection, and self-belief shape student experiences and impacts their future.
Participants will walk away feeling seen, valued, and reminded that leadership happens in everyday moments; through a smile at the door, calm in the chaos, and the choice to care.
Other Conference Presenters
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Transportation Security Administration - Active Shooter Scenario Exercise
Transportation Security Inspector Kevin Palmer -
Olympic ESD 114 - Bus Driver Ergonomics
Safety and Heath Specialist Amy Costello -
Washington State Patrol - School Bus Pre-Trip Overview
CVEO Ronald Hoffman and CVEO Aaron Clifton
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2025-2026 Chapter Officers (Capital Chapter Board)
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President: Austin Wright, Olympia School District - awright@osd.wednet.edu
President-Elect: Anne Snyder, ESD 113/Head Start - asnyder@esd113.org
WAPT ESD 113 State Board Rep.: Tommy Gallegos, Olympia School District - tgallegos@osd.wednet.edu
Secretary: Vacant
Treasurer: Sammie York, Winlock School District - syork@winlock.wednet.edu​​​​
About us:
The Capital Chapter of the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation is a regional group belonging to the WAPT. The Capital Chapter board represents the ESD 113 only
(44 school districts).
For more about the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation, click on the WAPT logo left of this information to be sent to the main webpage representing all regions.