The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released the results of the annual school bus inspection program for 2020.

*Kearney R-1 School District scores rated as 97.5% approved and 0% defective*

“The Missouri State Highway Patrol works closely with schools and private pupil transportation companies to ensure Missouri students have safe transportation to and from school. This professional relationship is most evident during the annual school bus inspection program,” said Colonel Eric Olson. “The annual school bus inspection program is just one way the Missouri State Highway Patrol protects and serves our children.”

The school bus inspection ratings include “approved”, “defective”, and “out-of-service”. According to the news release, of Missouri’s 11,828 buses, 10,539 school buses rated as “approved” upon initial inspection. The number of school buses rated as “defective” upon initial inspection was 1,030 and school buses rated as “out-of-service” upon initial inspection was 259.

Those buses receiving an “approved” rating passed the initial inspect. A rating of “defective” means corrections for components was addressed within 10 days of when the defection was found. Buses placed out-of-service require a correction before the bus can be used any further.

A total of 258 Missouri school districts earned the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence award this year. During the 2020-2021 school year, 5,594 buses in these award-winning fleets are eligible to display the Patrol’s Total Fleet Excellence sticker in the lower corner of the first window on the passenger entry side of the bus.

There were 40 school districts within Troop A that received the Total Fleet Excellence award this year. Those had 100 percent “approved” rating on the first inspection.

Kearney R-1 School District received scores rated as 97.5% approved, 0% defective, and 2.5% were labeled as out-of-service.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story