Middleburgh School District Donates Old Bus to Local Fire Department
Bus Replacement Program
The Middleburgh Central School District relies on a fleet of 25 buses to transport around 75% of its students to school every day. With a routine of replacing buses every 100,000 miles or so, which is roughly every 10 years, the district’s Director of Facilities, John Youmans, explained how the process works.
Bus Donation to Fire Department
When a bus reaches its 100,000-mile mark, it is typically traded in for a new model. However, diesel buses are no longer accepted as trade-ins. Instead of putting the latest retiree up for auction, the bus driver suggested donating it to the fire department for more training purposes. The district’s 2nd Assistant Fire Chief, Michael Devlin, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that the department will put the bus to good use in Schoharie County.
Training and Maintenance
The fire department will be cutting the bus into sections to train on exiting, turning parts of it on its side, and using it for areas that are difficult to access during normal training hours. This donation will greatly benefit the department’s training and maintenance needs.
New Bus Addition
Although diesel buses are no longer accepted as trade-ins, the district can still purchase them. A new bus has already been added to the fleet to replace the retired one.
Conclusion
The Middleburgh Central School District’s bus replacement program is an example of how schools can give back to their local communities. By donating retired buses to the fire department, the district is supporting the department’s training and maintenance needs, while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the school district replace its buses every 100,000 miles?
A: The district replaces its buses every 100,000 miles or so, which is roughly every 10 years, to ensure the safety and comfort of its students.
Q: Why are diesel buses no longer accepted as trade-ins?
A: Diesel buses are no longer accepted as trade-ins, but the district can still purchase them if needed.
Q: What will the fire department use the donated bus for?
A: The fire department will use the donated bus for training and maintenance purposes, including exiting, turning parts of it on its side, and accessing areas that are difficult to reach during normal training hours.
