Carroll County transportation director outlines fleet size, air-conditioning progress and $1.2 million bus‑wash plan

Mr. Bissell, the district’s director of transportation, told the Carroll County Board of Education on May 12 that the system transports about 7,500 students to school each morning and “just over 8,000” home each afternoon, and described the district’s fleet and a proposed bus‑wash facility.

Bissell said the district operates 41 regular‑education buses, 36 special‑education buses and 10 activity buses — a total of 87 — and that 48 buses are equipped with air conditioning. “This has been the commitment that you guys have made to make our buses safer for our students, more comfortable for our drivers and students, as well as it’s a recruiting tool for us,” he said.

The director described a proposed $1.2 million bus‑wash to be located at the JC Daniel Operations Center. He said the design would use a three‑arch system: an acidic detergent arch, a basic detergent arch to neutralize charges on the bus, and a rinse arch. Bissell said the major cost is the building because of bus length and that the facility would also be used to align with routine monthly inspections.

Why it matters: The transportation department moves roughly half of the district’s daily student population; investments in fleet comfort, inspections and driver recruitment affect student safety, daily operations and staff retention.

Most important details: Bissell said the district has purchased 83 school buses during his tenure despite industry price increases. He reported that the Georgia Motor Carrier Compliance Division inspected buses last September and that 92% passed on the first inspection; the remainder passed after fixes. Board members and the chair praised the department’s response to driver morale and retention, noting driver appreciation events, training and an annual rodeo that drew 20 drivers to compete.

Board response and next steps: Several board members thanked Bissell for improved culture and operations and suggested the board arrange an on‑site visit so members can meet drivers; the chair asked staff to provide advance notice for scheduling. The bus‑wash project remains at the planning stage; the director said construction costs and siting are the primary drivers of the $1.2 million estimate and that the project would be located at the main operations center.

Additional context: Bissell said the district increases in drivers, miles driven and students transported mirror county growth. He said some drivers were hired part time this year with plans to move them to full time next year to improve efficiency. The department also reported driver supports such as Employee Assistance Program sessions and financial‑planning workshops for staff.

Board members’ praise and operational notes tapered into routine agenda business after the update.