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made inspections easier to perform.” He said that supply chain disruptions
have impacted part availability, as part prices are skyrocketing. He said with older buses in the fleet, it leaves them constantly searching for obsolete parts. “Expanding our supplier directory has helped obtain parts that are otherwise difficult to find,”
Dale Penn
Vehicle Mechanic Supervisor Franklin County Schools, Kentucky
Number of Vehicles Maintained: 100 school buses, 15 district vehicles Number of Maintenance Staff: 4
he said. “In addition, planning for future inventory needs and placing advanced orders help keep buses in use rather than sitting in the shop waiting for parts.” He added that JUSD operates CNG, gasoline and electric vehicles, with elec- tric vehicle maintenance being the least of both CNG and gasoline.
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Dale Penn said that he was fascinated with school buses as a young boy and would sit and watch them roll out of the local school bus garage where his uncle worked. In 2001, he started his own career as a mechanic at Franklin County Schools, following jobs at numerous car dealer- ships and body shops. Penn said it was his uncle who encouraged him to apply for the position. Over the course of two decades, Penn obtained certification as a school bus driver inspector, Brad McKinney, trans- portation director for the district, wrote in his nomination form. “He serves on the [Kentucky Department of Education] bus specification committee and collaborates with the department to enhance safety. Each year, he joins the KDE in inspecting school bus manufacturers to ensure Ken- tucky school buses adhere to necessary specifications.” McKinney added that Penn has been
recognized twice as the Student Trans- portation Association of Kentucky (STAK) Mechanic of the Year and once as the Shop of the Year award recipient. Additionally, the district’s transportation department has been honored with the
34 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2023
Best Transportation Department award. Penn said the best part of his job is
knowing that he plays a role in the safe transportation of the district’s students. He added that he also enjoys his team and the day-to-day interactions with the staff, students and administrators. Over the past couple of years, he said the supply chain shortage has greatly impacted his operations, though he said this past year there has been some im- provement. “Awaiting parts has left buses sitting out of service for up to a week and longer,” he shared. “This greatly impacts our drivers and students.” He added that advancements in
technology have also come a long way, especially from the old days of simply using wrenches and pilers. The district has invested in technology relating to software for engines, transmission and ABS diag- nostics. “It’s exciting to see where this is going to lead us in the future,” he added. “Dale is an exceptional asset to Franklin
County Schools, consistently exceeding expectations,” McKinney concluded. “He always goes above and beyond to ensure that transportation runs smoothly.”
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