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Residents, school staff press board to fix bus garage and consider repurposing shell building
Summary
Multiple speakers described the county bus garage as unsafe and urged the board to prioritize a dedicated bus facility; some suggested reusing an existing county/EDA 'shell building' as a bus shop and CTE space.
Several public commenters described the county's bus maintenance facility as unsafe and inadequate, urging the board to find a solution that would keep mechanics safe and support career-and-technical training for students.
A retired educator and a current teacher who toured the bus shop described mechanics working outdoors under a canopy and lacking basic equipment, including a bus lift and adequate lighting. One speaker recommended converting the county or EDA-owned 'shell building' into a bus garage with space for vehicle repair and CTE classes, which could help train and recruit future mechanics.
"The existing garage cannot even house a bus, and our mechanics are relegated to working on vehicles in all weather and conditions," one speaker said, noting safety and recruitment implications. Board members asked staff to explore options, including whether the shell building could be used or leased for a bus facility and whether any grant or Tobacco Commission exception might apply.
