| The Transportation Department of the Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities successfully passed its 23rd consecutive annual School Bus Safety Inspection by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 100% of the buses received decals during the first round of inspections.
The inspection team complimented the maintenance staff on their cooperation and professionalism, operation of the inspection, the level of preparation and the cleanliness of the garage. Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Ron Boggs and Mechanics Tom Elliott, Larry Davis and Randall Watson were commended for their efforts in preparing the bus fleet.
A thorough inspection of the engine compartment, undercarriage, wheelchair lift mechanism, exterior of chassis and body, and the bus interior was performed to ensure the safe condition of the bus. Decals (different background color each program year/grey for 2009-10) are placed on buses that pass inspection. The annual inspection was performed at the Board of MR/DD's Transportation Center at 5450 Salem Avenue, on July 20 and July 21, 2009. Inspectors included Trooper Jean Stanfield along with Motor Vehicle Inspectors Kevin Swartz and Mike Boyd.
The vehicle maintenance staff performed a complete pre-inspection for each bus prior to the inspection in addition to the on-going preventive maintenance program. Since the program operates year-round, this preparation required extensive planning and coordination.
The Transportation Department operates under the School Bus Rules and Regulations established by the Ohio Department of Education and Department of Highway Safety.
The mission of the Board is to serve children and adults with mental retardation and other significant developmental disabilities, most of whom require comprehensive life-long services. The Board provides support for individuals to live, learn, work and participate in their community. The Board also provides support for families in their efforts to care for their family member with a disability.

(L-R) Randall Watson, Larry Davis, Tom Elliott and Maintenance Supervisor Ron Boggs |