Adrian, MI – When families put their children on a school bus each morning, they trust that the people behind the wheel and those maintaining the buses have done everything they can to keep them safe. At the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD), that responsibility is taken seriously, and the Transportation Department has the inspection record to show it.

For the 15th time in 16 years, the LISD Transportation Department has earned a perfect score during its annual school bus safety inspections conducted by the Michigan State Police.

The inspections are thorough, covering everything from brakes, tires and steering systems to emergency exits, warning lights and safety equipment. Each bus must meet Michigan's safety requirements, and a perfect score means inspectors found no violations or mechanical defects.

Of course, keeping buses safe involves much more than preparing for an annual inspection. LISD drivers check their buses before heading out each day, while mechanics spend countless hours maintaining the fleet, making repairs and addressing concerns before they become bigger problems. It's work that often happens behind the scenes, but it's essential to getting students and staff where they need to go safely.

That kind of consistency doesn't happen overnight, and two longtime members of the LISD Transportation team have played an important role in making it possible.

Todd Armstrong and Chip McKee have spent years putting their knowledge and experience in school bus maintenance to work, helping establish the high standards that have become part of the department's everyday operations. Their expertise, attention to detail and dedication have helped make this impressive safety record possible.

"We are proud of our consistently strong annual bus inspection results, which reflect years of dedicated leadership and a commitment to keeping our fleet safe and well-maintained," said LISD Superintendent Mark Haag. "In addition to providing reliable transportation for LISD students and families, we support many local school districts by offering quality mechanical services to their transportation departments at affordable rates."

Armstrong retired this past summer, and McKee is preparing to retire later this month. While their experience will certainly be missed, the work they've done and the standards they've helped establish will continue to benefit the department for years to come.

With Armstrong's retirement, Carl Brousseau stepped into his role, helping the department make a smooth transition while continuing the same attention to safety and maintenance. Another perfect inspection score is a great way to begin this new chapter, reflecting the work of both the longtime team members who helped build that record and those carrying it forward.

"A perfect score represents much more than a number," said Lori Wilson, LISD Transportation Supervisor. "It represents the dedication, teamwork, and pride of the people who work in Transportation every day."

Much of that work goes unnoticed by the students and families who depend on LISD buses. From checking emergency exit alarms and stop-arm lights to inspecting brakes and looking for fluid leaks, drivers and mechanics pay attention to details that can make all the difference.

"As the Transportation Supervisor, my number one priority is making sure every bus is safe for our students and staff," Wilson said. "I want our drivers and families to have confidence that when a student gets on one of our buses, we have done everything we can to provide them with a safe ride."

The department's latest inspection results come as schools across the country prepare to recognize National School Bus Safety Week. While the week is an opportunity to celebrate the people who help keep students safe, it's also a reminder that motorists have an important part to play.

"When a school bus has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, motorists need to stop and remain stopped," Wilson said. "Those few extra seconds can make a tremendous difference."

For LISD Transportation, 15 perfect inspection scores in 16 years is something worth celebrating. It's also a chance to recognize the people who have spent years doing the work that makes those results possible. As the department says goodbye to longtime team members and welcomes new leadership, families can be confident that keeping students safe will continue to be the priority every day.