CCSD Transportation Department Earns Blue Seal of Excellence

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The Cherokee County School District’s Transportation Department has earned the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal of Excellence.

This development means the department is one of the first school systems in the state of Georgia to obtain this level of certification.

This recognition program is the national standard for outstanding transportation maintenance departments and companies; ASE is an independent, non-profit organization that since 1972 has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.

This recognition for the district was achieved following a two-year joint initiative by the Transportation and Personnel Management departments. In order to earn this recognition, at least 75 percent of the organization’s service staff must be ASE certified, and each area of service must be overseen by at least one ASE-certified professional.

In addition to passing an ASE Certification test, automotive technicians must have two years of on the job training or one year of on the job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification. To remain ASE certified, professionals must be retested every five years to keep up with ever advancing automotive technology.

The Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Frank Petruzielo will recognize the district vehicle maintenance staff at the Thursday, Nov. 5 board meeting.

They are: vehicle technicians, Brian Batson, Craig Batson, Brad Benton, John Chadwick, Terry Cochran, Cole Covington, Shane Cowart, Danny Dore, Allan Hall, Lee Makool, Neal McConnell, Steve Mraz, Ricky Padgett, Melvin Sexton, Adam Shelton, Sam Shelton, Corey Smith, Danny Smith, Terry Tippens and Tim Woodall; Cheryl Opdenhoff, fleet maintenance secretary; Coordinator of Fleet Maintenance David Gazaway and Director of Transportation Ken Johnson.

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Photo 1: CCSD Vehicle Technician Adam Shelton installs a new windshield wiper blade on a school bus.
Photo 2: The CCSD Transportation Department has earned the prestigious National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal of Excellence.
Photo credits: Cherokee County School District