Wolf Creek Public Schools Achieves Perfect Marks in School Bus Safety Inspections
A perfect score on comprehensive bus inspections has underscored Wolf Creek Public Schools' commitment to student safety.
WCPS was notified in October by the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol, based out of Red Deer, about their intent to conduct school bus inspections in the Lacombe area. The inspections were decided to be held at the WCPS Lacombe Bus Shop, ensuring a controlled and focused environment, away from any distractions that could be caused by roadside inspections near schools.
The inspections were carried out on Oct. 9, where a team of inspectors examined 10 school buses and conducted interviews with drivers as they completed their morning routes. The result was a clean bill of health for all vehicles and drivers, a testament to the diligent maintenance and operation standards upheld by the district.
"Scheduling the inspections at our shop allowed for thorough checks without the stress or spectacle that roadside inspections might cause, especially with students possibly on board," said Rod Mercer, WCPS Assistant Transportation Manager. “We wanted to minimize the impact of students and on routes, while allowing for a complete and rigorous inspection process.”
"These results affirm our unwavering commitment to the safety of our students," said Tim De Ruyck, Superintendent. "Our community can take great comfort in knowing that our students are transported in vehicles that meet the highest standards of safety."
The school buses at WCPS adhere to strict regulations under the Traffic Safety Act, ensuring every aspect of their operation prioritizes student safety. This includes adherence to the Immediate Roadside Sanctions (IRS) program, specifically the IRS ZERO: Commercial category applicable to school bus drivers, which mandates alcohol screening among other safety checks.
"Our transportation team and drivers take immense pride in their roles, understanding the crucial nature of their work in a district as expansive as ours, covering both rural and urban areas," said Mercer. "Ensuring the safety of every student who steps onto our buses is not just a responsibility but a deep commitment we uphold daily."
Wolf Creek has nearly 90 bus routes, and its buses travel nearly 5,000 kilometers per day, or more than 850,000 kilometers per year. We currently bus approximately half of the students who attend Wolf Creek schools.