Transportation
At Fennville, school bus safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a commitment.
Our school transportation department is key to helping students get to and from school and activities safely. They handle all the planning and coordination needed to keep things running smoothly. Our skilled drivers and mechanics make sure buses are well-maintained, regularly inspected, and follow strict safety rules. The team also works on improving bus routes, choosing safe bus stop locations, and keeping parents informed about any updates or changes. Thanks to their efforts, students have a safe and dependable way to get to school and start their day ready to learn.
Excellence in Maintenance & Safety
Fennville’s lead mechanic, Dave Johnson, has achieved outstanding school bus inspection results once again! Dave’s record in 5 regular inspections and three rechecks, is three 100% and two 95% having only one yellow tagged bus and one red tagged bus in 8 inspections. Perfect inspections are rare and very hard to achieve, less than 5% of school districts in Michigan will receive a 100% inspection on the first attempt. While certification isn’t required, Dave is a Master Heavy-Duty Mechanic with multiple certifications.
Maintaining top safety standards is a team effort between transportation supervisors, drivers, and mechanics. Drivers conduct thorough pre- and post-trip inspections, while mechanics ensure every bus remains in peak condition.
School Bus Inspections
Buses undergo annual inspections, with possible "rechecks" anytime from September 1 to September 1. Michigan State Police’s School Bus Inspection Division, staffed by former bus mechanics and commercial enforcement officers, conducts these thorough inspections.
Each bus undergoes an 80+ point inspection, including all 26 passenger seats. The public can view a bus’s inspection record by scanning the QR code on its entry door.
Buses are tagged based on inspection results:
- Green Tag – 100% pass, no defects
- Yellow Tag – Minor defect (e.g., light out); bus remains in service until repaired
- Red Tag – Serious defect (e.g., exhaust leak); bus is out of service until repaired
All buses must pass or be repaired and re-inspected before use.
Fennville’s Commitment to Safety
Fennville operates 14 buses, transporting 800 students daily. Inspections cover:
- Lights, switches, and gauges
- Windows, exits, and alarms
- Brakes, steering, suspension
- Driveline, tires, exhaust
- Seats and overall mechanical safety
Most personal vehicles wouldn’t pass these rigorous standards.