The State of NC recently completed its annual inspection of all GCPS buses, including an audit of the Transportation Department’s inventory, control processes, and safety records. In conducting the inspection, officials assign point values to violations or defects, so the lower the score, the better the overall results. For the fourth year in a row, GCPS received an overall score better than the state average. 

This year’s score was 14.50, which was not only lower than last year’s score of 23.33 but also the district's best score ever. While this year’s bus inspections are ongoing in the region, the average for other schools in our region last year was 34.21. After reviewing the final official report, Superintendent Winborne offered his thoughts, saying, “Our Transportation Department has consistently shown they are dedicated to ensuring our bus fleet is as safe as possible for our students and staff. For the second year in a row, there were zero problems related to major safety violations with regard to brakes, tires, steering, or fuel leaks on our yellow school buses. The Transportation Department has done an excellent job.” 

All public school transportation departments receive an annual inspection from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and use a standardized inspection process. This process is extremely strict and allows for minimal errors of any kind related to the safe operation of school buses. 

Dr. Winborne went on to say, “While this report shows outstanding work from our Transportation Department, it also reflects our bus drivers’ daily commitment to bus safety. Our drivers are on the front lines of keeping our students safe as we transport them to and from school. Their contribution to our education program is immeasurable.” 

Dr. Chris Ham, the Director of Transportation, offered his perspective, stating, “We have worked hard to continue the trend of excellence in the GCPS Transportation Department. I appreciate the hard work and dedication of each person on this team. The score we earned this year is just one reflection of how seriously each member of our team takes this job. I am proud of this team.”