BUCKHANNON — During the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, Chief Mechanic for the Upshur County Transportation Rick Wentz was recognized for his great achievements. Mr. Wentz competed in the School Bus Technician/Inspector Competition where he placed third in the entire state.
This competition consists of hands-on diagnostics, inspections and written exams. This competition allows our mechanics to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in a competitive manner. “We are very proud of Rick. Congratulations on your winning,” expressed Stephanie Bennett.
There are three full-time mechanics and two part-time mechanics. In addition to troubleshooting problems as they arise, the mechanics have a schedule for preventive maintenance, Wentz said. “Each month, every bus is pulled in for what we call PM and gets checked out, the oil changed if needed and a basic safety inspection done,” he said. “We do all in-house repairs with the exception of warranty work.” Went explained that on any given day, that could be rebuilding an engine, patching a bus seat, narrowing down why a check engine light is on and more.
Congratulations Rick Wentz on another year’s win!
Also during the board meeting, Tim Derico reported on a facilities update during the meeting after the recognition of Mr. Wentz. “The schools are all ready for the new year. All preparations and updates have been done with the exception of one school that we are currently working on now.” All other last-minute updates will be completed before the first day of school next week.
Kayla Yocum and Quinten Oldaker discussed technology updates. Technology trainings were in action for the proper technological updates to be installed. All the phones are installed with the exceptions of Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School and Buckhannon-Upshur High School, but they are in the process of doing so. The devices will be distributed to the students during the first week of school and they will get innovation into the classrooms.
Kayla Yocum stated, “We are ensuring that the teachers are Apple certified and offering that training and support. Many of them have already completed the certification process.”
Dr. Debra Harrison personally thanked Mrs. Yocum and Mr. Oldaker for their devotion and attention to detail in getting everything prepared for the students for the new school year.
Thank you to all our Upshur County staff who have been helping prepare the schools for the new year.
The next board of education meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Buckhannon-Upshur High School. A special meeting will take place on September 1, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the West Virginia Wesleyan College Greek Alumni Room for training.