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Pictured: David Harden, Launi Schmutz, Carol Stamper, Steve Kalmes and Jerry Miliken.

At the opening awards banquet of the NAPT Summit in Portland, Oregon, Carol Stamper received the Larsen Quality Award for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). Stamper is pictured above with the Larsen Selection Committee of the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT).

The Leland B. Larson quality transportation award involves a sequence of activities designed to serve as an assessment tool that NAPT uses to measure existing quality and at the same time identify areas for improvement. The quality transportation program concept will recognize and reward school districts and companies that are committed to improving transportation services.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, NAPT Board Member Launie Schmutz announced “Tonight’s award winner has fought a tough battle to get where they are today. They have developed a stellar set of goals and plans that have been a result of their vision for the future. Charlotte-Mecklenburg School transportation department as led by Carol Stamper is the 2010 Larson Quality and Efficiency award winner.

Speaking of the award, Stamper says "This quality award was accepted on behalf of all CMS Transportation staff who works so hard and exhibits pride in what they do every day. Despite deep budget cuts and changes in transportation service levels over the past couple of years, staff continues to focus on the most important aspects of our business - safety and care for each child we transport."

The CMS transportation department is a quality operation with a comprehensive, data-driven improvement plan; they have made tremendous progress since the inception of this plan and Carol’s creative and energetic team are all aware of the transportation department’s goals, vision and mission. The implementation of technology helps track key performance indicators that have truly been a catalyst for change.”

Following the announcement and presentation of the award, Carol spent a few minutes on stage with master of ceremonies, comedian Mack Dryden. She recognized the entire transportation staff at CMS for their hard work and dedication.