Robbinsville – A random April inspection of three standard school buses and one activity bus highly impressed officials from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The Graham County Board of Education welcomed members of its transportation department to the special-called June 27 meeting, as outgoing superintendent Angie Knight impressed the significance of the district receiving the lowest score in the region on the inspection.
“In this case, a low score is a good thing,” Knight explained. “They have done an amazing job this year. They have made sure our kids are safe, that our buses have been in tip-top condition and managed a really hard schedule – with trying to find enough drivers.
“They roll up their sleeves and do what’s needed for the safety of our kids. We all know what a wonderful job they do.”
Transportation director Adam Harkins added that a perfect score is zero; the department received a 6.67.
Points can be deducted based off safety hazards found on a bus, such as a cut seat, sharp edges, or missing stickers.
Inspectors also look over paperwork and inventory on-hand.
“The biggest thing they hit us on was seats,” Harkins said. “We were very blessed to have a good score. It’s a full team effort.”
Harkins also mentioned that the district has looked into utilizing two electric buses, which would come if an EPA grant of $250,000 is awarded to Graham County Schools. The estimate includes the cost of charging stations.
New hires
After closed session, more new employees that had been approved by the board were announced.
Notable hires included in the mix was Amy Green, as a middle school academic interventionist; Samantha Hooper, as a high school science teacher; Travis Hooper, as the middle school wrestling coach; and Holly Jackson, as the middle school volleyball coach.
At its June 11 meeting, the board appointed Adam Brooks as the new high school assistant principal.
Calling off the list of candidates June 27 proved to be the final public act for Knight, who has retired.
Robert Moody began his role as the new superintendent Monday.