Cumberland County Schools (CCS) takes the safety and reliability of its transportation operations seriously. In response to concerns recently brought to the district’s attention, CCS has engaged Tharrington Smith, LLP, a Raleigh-based law firm, to conduct an independent investigation into personnel, management and safety practices, as well as current operating conditions within CCS’ Transportation Department.

“We want our families and employees to know that CCS is listening and taking responsible action,” said CCS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy. “Our transportation procedures are guided by state standards, and this external review will provide an additional, objective assessment of our practices. We are grateful for the Transportation professionals who operate and maintain our 482-bus fleet and the school-based employees who support students as they arrive and depart each day.”

Established Safety Procedures

The district has established procedures to support compliance with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction standards for bus inspections, reporting concerns, completing repairs and returning buses to service.

Under these procedures, buses undergo required 30-day inspections. District procedures direct drivers to report issues identified before, during and after routes, and maintenance personnel are responsible for assessing and documenting each report. A bus with an out-of-service condition is not authorized to transport students until repairs required for safe operation are complete. If necessary repairs cannot be completed before the next route, a spare bus is assigned.

Staffing and Recruitment

Filling Transportation Department vacancies is one of the district’s top recruitment priorities. CCS has 20 allotted bus mechanic positions. Currently, 15 are filled and five are vacant. The district recently filled two of those positions, one through a new hire and one through a promotion.

Next Steps

CCS is committed to transparency and will share verified updates as appropriate. To support a fair and impartial process, the district may be limited in the details it can provide while the review is underway.