HOOVER – Hoover City Schools’ bus maintenance crew received a perfect score for the third year in a row.

Several members of the HCS Transportation Department were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Jason Gaston, district public/media relations, said the school system received a perfect inspection report for the third consecutive year in its annual review of bus safety conducted by the Alabama Department of Education/Pupil Transportation Section.

Out of 170 buses in the fleet, 168 were inspected and zero major deficiencies were discovered.

HCS has had excellent ratings (less than 10 percent deficiencies) for more than 20 years.

Hoover City Schools conducts a thorough inspection of each school bus every 20 days. The state inspects annually during the November-December timeframe. A team of state inspectors visits school systems, spending approximately 30minutes of inspection time per bus.

Every item is checked—from engines to hoses right down to light bulbs. Inspectors also review the drivers’ documentation and paperwork.

Hoover City Schools logs more than 1,000,000 miles each year through the transport of students to and from school and countless field trips/athletic events. More than 170 employees comprise this department, including drivers, bus aides, and office staff.

In other business, the Board:

• Approved personnel and business actions, including the monthly financial statement for November 2019, cash disbursements of about $3.8 million and payroll of about $9 million.
• Heard an update on the Mental Health Task Force. Murphy said studies show one in five school-age children have a mental health issue.
• Heard a review of the system’s Alabama State Department of Education compliance effort.

The Board had a retreat scheduled for Jan. 17 at the Hoover Lake House. A community meeting is set for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21, at Riverchase Landing, and the next regular meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11.