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Transportation supervisor reviews fleet upkeep, diagnostic tool costs and emergency-generator role
Summary
In a board 'spotlight on success,' transportation supervisor Bruce Kennedy outlined fleet maintenance priorities — continuing with Cummins engines for standardization, paying about $900–$950 annually for the Insight diagnostic program, planning for a $184,000 replacement bus, and pursuing options for a bus hoist and other heavy equipment.
Bruce Kennedy, identified by the board as the district's transportation lead, presented a detailed review of the district's vehicle fleet and maintenance program and recommended continued standardization on Cummins engines.
"The program costs $900 per year and is crucial for our work," Kennedy said, describing Insight, the diagnostic software used to read engine codes, clear faults and update vehicle control modules. He told the board that the district maintains 15 buses, nine of which use Cummins ISB engines, and recommended the district continue with Cummins as it replaces older vehicles to maintain consistency and simplify maintenance.
Kennedy described other equipment needs and emergency planning. He said the high-school generator holds roughly 850 gallons of fuel and is maintained with an oil-change cycle that uses about 92 quarts (23 gallons) of engine oil, and explained the generator's role in turning the cafeteria and gym into a formal Red Cross station if community shelters are needed. The board discussed a new Thomas bus the district expects to receive, with a cited purchase price of about $184,000, and the need for a vehicle hoist: estimates ranged widely depending on equipment type, "anywhere from 50 to 300," thousands of dollars, with a middle estimate near $150,000 for a full in-ground unit.
Board members thanked Kennedy and recognized the transportation crew for keeping buses safe and operational. The discussion included service arrangements with tribal and other local partners, the district's approach to bus-camera systems, and considerations about electric buses — Kennedy noted current range limitations (about 150 miles under ideal conditions) and charging logistics for longer runs such as Port Angeles trips.
The presentation concluded with a routine motion of appreciation from the board and no formal action required beyond informational follow-up and budgeting consideration for the hoist and future vehicle replacements.
