Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities of Transportation Routing

Doug Palmer, OSBA, Transportation Consultant, started accumulating logistic experience in 1981 as a school bus driver, 20 years of regional route planning and truckload delivery, 10 years as school transportation supervisor and as five years a transportation consultant at OSBA.

Along with a doctorate in Education Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Bowlin also obtained a BS in Biology, an MSEd. in Biology Education and an MSEd. in Education Administration (7-12). Following a brief stint in healthcare, Dr. Bowlin began his education career as a Biology teacher in a large comprehensive high school teaching courses such as AP Biology, Biology 2, General Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology.  Having a great administrative mentor, he advanced quickly into education administration and became an Assistant principal and Principal spending 12 years at the High School level. He also held school district positions as Director of Online Learning, Director of Curriculum and Professional Development, Assistant to the Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent. Currently, Dr. Bowlin serves as the Director within the Unit of Field Relations for the Department of Education & Workforce (previously Ohio Department of Education).   With over 28 years in public education, Dr. Bowlin also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Baldwin Wallace University, the University of Mt. Union and Youngstown State University.

William (Bill) Andexler is the Coordinator of Transportation for Akron Public Schools and serves as the OAPT Northeast Region Director. Bill has over two decades of transportation experience serving in rural, suburban, and urban districts. OASBO named Bill Transportation Director of the Year in 2023. He serves on numerous advisory committees and consults with school districts across the region, leveraging his vast experience to advise on best practices and to bring the latest in technological innovation to other departments.

George Sontag has worked in school transportation for 38 years. Most recently after retiring, George began working with school districts to assist them in training new supervisors, evaluating department efficiency, working on special routing projects, and even working as a substitute supervisor when needed. 

I guess you could say George hasn't had enough fun yet, so he keeps coming back for more. 

Tom Perkins became the Deputy Executive Director at BASA in 2021 after serving 15 years as a district superintendent. Tom began his career in Allen County before returning to teach at his alma mater in Noble County. He began his administrative career in the Warren Local School District as an elementary and middle school principal prior to taking over as the superintendent of the Rolling Hills School district in Guernsey County. Tom served in that role at the Mid-East Career and Technology Center and completed his superintendent career at the Northern Local School district where he served for 10 years.

During his career Tom served on numerous BASA committees, including the Executive Board, the OALSS board, and as a presenter at various workshops. Tom has been an advocate for the students of Ohio since beginning his career and has testified before the legislature on several occasions regarding school funding. He is passionate about growing the profession and encouraging others to pursue a career in education.

Tom is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and completed his doctorate coursework at Seton Hall University.  Tom and his wife Rachel are the proud parents of 3 children and reside in Somerset, Ohio.

Jim Rowan is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of School Business Officials. He has spent the past five years as OASBO’s Executive Director providing support and services to school business officials throughout Ohio. A long-time OASBO member, Jim served as the association's President during the 2002-03 membership year, and as ASBO International President in 2007.