Twin Rivers R-X Bus Mechanic Kurt Lichtenegger keeps the wheels on the buses going around and around, as well as much more.
In the past 10 years, Lichtenegger has scored a 90 percent or better on the annual State Highway Patrol School Bus Inspection. This year, however, he outdid himself, scoring 100 percent on his 15 buses.
"The one year I didn't score a 90 percent or better, I scored an 86 percent, missing two items." Lichtenegger said.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, buses found to have no defective items are rated as "approved." Buses having one or more defective items, which do not constitute an immediate danger are rated as "defective." Buses with any defective items, which constitute an immediate danger are rated as "out-of-service."
According to Lichtenegger, a lot of hard work and preparation goes into the district's 15 buses before inspections are held across the state between February and May each year.
"I try to keep an eye on everything leading up to the inspection," he said. "Over Christmas break I start looking over the buses."
Lichtenegger described the process of preparing for the annual inspection much like the process leading up to the start of school.
January through March, buses are checked daily in preparation for the inspection and Lichtenegger said he is allowed to bring in extra help to assist checking items on the buses, such as lights.
In years past, Lichtenegger's brother, Karl, and School Board member David Dugger have assisted with checking the bus fleet.
"The more people helping, the more thorough the check," Lichtenegger said.
During the inspection, Lichtenegger said interior items on the bus are checked, but the bulk of the scoring comes from components underneath the bus such as brakes, tires and steering.
One item in particular scored upon is the wheelchair lift. Lichtenegger said the manual handle on the lift is inspected and had been brought to his attention in the past to ensure if the bus were to break down on a route, the students can get on and off the bus.
"The inspection brings things to my attention to make our buses better," he said.
Lichtenegger said he has formed a great working relationship with the Highway Patrol over the years, which benefits himself, the Twin Rivers School District as well as other school districts.
"I am able to ask about issues found elsewhere that we could watch for at Twin Rivers," Lichtenegger said. "I can also share how I fixed certain issues to help other school districts."
It takes a lot of people to keep a fleet of 15 buses running perfectly and Lichtenegger said the staff at Twin Rivers allows him to be successful.
"The administration works with me around the inspection schedule and I have never received a 'no' when asking for a resource from the superintendent [Jeremy Siebert] to make sure we have the safest buses on the road," Lichtenegger said.
Of the 15 buses, 10 run daily routes, while the other five are reserved for Qulin, Fisk and extra curricular activities.
The 10 buses average 1,700 miles per route each month.
According to Lichtenegger, extra curricular activities can add at least another 1,000 miles to a bus each month.
In addition to the 15 buses, Lichtenegger said four new buses will join the fleet soon. The lease purchased buses will be set up on a five year payment plan and include a three year bumper to bumper warranty on each.
After receiving a perfect inspection score this past year, Lichtenegger said his goal is to continue receiving a 100 percent each year.
"I want to have the reputation that if I'm driving and an issue comes up, it will be fine and handled," he said.
A chance to build on his reputation came a few months ago when picking up the Beta Club in St. Louis, Mo.
"A turbo hose clamp broke on the interstate," he said.
While getting to a parts store and repairing the issue quickly, a student on the bus texted her dad, who knew Lichtenegger personally, about the issue.
His reply once he knew Lichtenegger was the driver was, "you will be fine."
"I would like to keep the reputation that when you get on my bus, it will be a trouble free trip there and back," Lichtenegger said. "And if there is an issue, it will be fixed quickly and you will be on your way home."
Lichtenegger also added he takes a lot of pride in the appearance of the buses. He said clean buses represent the district well and also shows the buses are well maintained.
"I am very happy with Kurt and our transportation department," Siebert said. "For the three years I have been here our scores have been near perfect. I can't say enough about our inspections."