MADISON – For the second consecutive year, the Transportation Department with Madison City Schools has earned flawless ratings in mechanical inspection of school buses.

Madison’s transportation employees “scored perfectly on a state safety assessment of its bus fleet,” MCS Public Relations Manager John S. Peck said. “At the completion of the state’s rigorous school bus inspection, Madison City received an exit report indicating zero major deficiencies in its bus fleet.”

In 2016, Madison earned a certificate of excellence from the Alabama Department of Education for achieving only one deficiency in 87 buses.

MCS Transportation Director Roosevelt Carter said earning top marks for two consecutive years demonstrates the workers’ dedication to excellence. “This is a goal that districts throughout the state strive for but seldom achieve,” Carter said.

“Needless to say, we are extremely proud of the team of mechanics and crew that work so hard to make this possible. They are the best in their field, and we are so thankful they are the ones inspecting and repairing the buses that transport our students,” Carter said.

The Madison district transports about 5,000 students daily to 11 schools. Drivers log a combined 2,033 miles each day across 134 routes.

“Mechanics stay busy maintaining the fleet of 87 buses to make sure they are safe and in good operation for the drivers. Drivers also go the extra mile in training and delivering students safely,” Peck said.

MCS Superintendent Robby Parker agreed with Carter’s praise for the mechanics and drivers’ dedication. “To have zero deficiencies is a feather in their cap and something that rarely happens in the school bus transportation business,” Parker said.

“We love doing this. We also know the tremendous responsibility we have ensuring the safety of our most precious resources – our students. I am so proud of our transportation department for earning this well-deserved award,” Parker said.

To celebrate their safety award from the state department, MCS transportation workers were treated to a catfish fry recently with Parker and other staff congratulating them.