The Wentzville School District Transportation Department has received the “Exemplary School Bus Maintenance” award from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). On Monday March 19 and Tuesday March 20, the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted spring school bus inspections of the WSD bus fleet. The results were very good again this year, with an approval rate of 96.35% for first time presentations.  For reference, the statewide average has been at about 85% for the last several years for first time presentations. 

Only five buses out of the 137 in the fleet had minor issues, and none of those were taken out of service.  The five buses were quickly repaired, re-inspected and approved before the MSHP inspection team left, so 100% of the WSD buses passed inspection. 

The 96.35% first time approval rate qualifies the WSD Transportation Department for an “Exemplary School Bus Maintenance” award, and also qualifies the fleet for the Missouri State Highway Patrol “Certificate of Fleet Excellence” award and “Total Fleet Excellence” decals to display on buses. "Each year the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducts a thorough inspection of our fleet to ensure that our buses meet the state safety standards,” said Jennifer Simpson, Director of Transportation for the District. “I am very proud of the continual effort put forth by our mechanics and our entire staff to achieve the Fleet Excellence Award year after year. The Wentzville School District is committed to providing the safest transportation possible for our students."