Fayette school district’s buses once again received perfect scores after the most recent inspection by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. All 10 buses were approved by the patrol, earning the district the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence award.

The results of the Driver and Vehicle Safety Division’s 2023 annual school bus inspection program were released earlier this month. 

Of five area high schools, Fayette was the only one to score 100%. Nine of Harrisburg’s 10 buses were approved, with one bus labeled defective. Six of New Franklin’s buses were approved. None were labeled defective, but two are out of service.

Three of Higbee’s five buses were approved, with two rated defective. Two of Glasgow’s buses were approved, with two rated defective and one out of service.

Statewide, the patrol inspected 11,464 buses. Of that, 9,985 were approved, 1,088 were rated defective, and 381 were out of service.

Buses with identified defective components require repair within 10 days. Buses placed out of service require correction of the component(s), re-inspection, and a return to service by Patrol personnel prior to further usage in transporting passengers.

A total of 256 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence award for 2023. During the 2023-2024 school year, 4,769 buses in these award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger entry side of the bus.

“Everyone wants to keep our children safe as they travel to and from school. To that end, the Missouri State Highway Patrol personnel, in partnership with pupil transportation professionals statewide, inspected 11,464 school buses in accordance with Missouri revised state statutes,” said Colonel Olson.