SPEAKOUT (471-6636)

A fussing on the bussing

I am very concerned with the direction of the Sikeston School District concerning the transportation department. During our yearly school bus inspection by the Missouri Highway Patrol in March, we had 21 out of our 30 buses fail this inspection. Last year wasn't much better. We have had new personnel put in charge of transportation about 3 years ago, a new director and head mechanic. My concern is the safety of our students who are transported daily on these buses to their schools and on daily trips outside our district. I feel one of our problems with transportation also is the fact that we have almost completely quit purchasing new buses. We have only purchased 3 buses in the last 8 years. We used to purchase 2 new buses a year dating back to the '90s until the money was taken from transportation and used for salaries for all the new personnel hired in the last 8 years. I agree with our district that new elementary buildings are needed, but our district needs to realize our children need safe transportation to those buildings and trips they must go on. A response from our school board is needed.

The Sikeston R6 School District ensures the community that the buses transporting our students are safe for daily travel. With that being said, the district will attempt to clarify the March 2015 bus inspection results. During the March inspection, of the 30 buses inspected, 21 did not obtain a 100% inspection rating. Several of the buses missed the 100% mark by only one deduction. Some of the buses had one light that was not working properly while others had fluid that was low (oil, power steering fluid). Any oil or fluid lead resulted in the bus not obtaining a 100% perfect rating. Out of the 21 buses, all but 3 were ready for the road before the end of inspections were completed that day. Three of the 21 were taken out of service and returned to service when repairs were completed. All 21 buses were repaired almost immediately and were reinstated on April 2 and 3 by the Highway Patrol after they were re-inspected and received a 100% score. The district understands that the 2015 final inspection was not acceptable. As a result, a plan of action has been developed to achieve more suitable ratings in the future. Part of that plan is for the transportation director to serve a more active leadership role in the involvement in the daily inspections. Each day, 5 buses will be inspected resulting in 30 buses being inspected throughout the week. Changes will continue to be made to achieve the 100% rating on our annual Highway Patrol inspection. -- SPS Transportation Director