Congratulations to the FFSD transportation department on earning 30 years of exemplary bus maintenance. To receive this award, districts must receive 90% or better on the Missouri State School Bus Inspection every year for 30 consecutive years. This year, the transportation department received 100% on the annual inspection. FFSD is one of only four school districts that have received this award out of 518 Districts in the State of Missouri. The department and District were recognized at the annual conference at an awards ceremony in July. 

The certificate reads as follows: Exemplary School Bus Maintenance Award The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education hereby recognizes and commends Ferguson-Florissant R-II for its exemplary school bus maintenance program, as evidenced by "compliance with 90 percent for 30 years" passage of Missouri school bus regulations and safety standards during the Spring 2023 school bus inspection, conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. 

The inspection process is tedious and involves a detailed process throughout the year that is integral to providing safe transportation for students. Ensuring safe buses is a team effort -- from the superintendent recognizing and supporting the need for updated buses and safety features, to the CFO with budgeting for maintenance and purchases, to the drivers that perform the 47-step pre-trip process. 

"We could never have reached this honor without the outstanding mechanics over the past 30 years, including our current mechanics, who have set the bar high for the department and have been able to create a process that has obviously worked well for at least 30 years," said Terry O'Neil, assistant superintendent of operations, maintenance, and transportation. "Their dedication and performance reflect greatly upon them, the leadership team, the transportation department, and the District."

Thank you to, Kevin Pirrung; Jason King; Coquabus Liddell; John Star; Steve Ruffino; Tim Wright; Timothy Wright, Jr.; Josh Heuiser; and the entire transportation department.