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. 

This year’s score was 45.75. For the third year in a row, the score is lower than the regional average of 50.26. After reviewing the final official report, Superintendent Winborne offered his thoughts, saying, “Our Transportation Department continues to show they are dedicated to ensuring our bus fleet is as safe as possible for our students and staff. They have also proven to be great stewards of financial resources and inventory. The Transportation Department continues to do 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.”

Mr. Kevin Ferrell, the Director of Transportation, offered his perspective, stating, “We are proud of our annual bus inspection report! Our mechanics take great pride in providing excellent service to our fleet of buses and vehicles. Our drivers and school administrators do an excellent job partnering with the bus garage to ensure bus safety and smooth operations. We are especially proud that our overall inspection score was better than the state average for the third consecutive year.”