Accolades echoed for the Fannin County School System’s bus drivers and the new Transportation Facility when the building was officially dedicated Thursday morning, August 18.
School system leaders, members of the transportation department and others gathered at 8 a.m. for a ceremony timed so bus drivers could take part.
Remarks by School Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, Assistant Superintendent for Transportation and Student Conduct Robert Ensley, and School Board Chairman Terry Bramlett reflected the need for the new facility, the fact it is paid for, and the dedication of the system’s bus drivers and transportation staff.
The fog had not completely lifted from around the area off Old Highway 76 just west of Blue Ridge Lake Dam when the open house began.
Inside the 17,539 square foot building, Gwatney told how the facility came about and the fact it is “bought and paid for with SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds.” Not only is the Transportation Facility paid for, the entire school system is debt free.
Ensley said it had been “just incredible watching this take place.” He pointed out not only the spacious garage area, but a break area, a large training room, and office space to house the transportation department.
He said, “This is blessed with God’s guidance.”
Ensley turned his attention to Fannin County’s bus drivers saying, “Thank you for what you do every day.”
Bramlett followed, telling drivers, “You take care of our kids, potentially during the most dangerous part of their day.”
He thanked them for their dedication and referred to the facility saying he hopes it will “more closely match your level of dedication...your expertise.”
Bramlett also talked about the drivers’ influence on students, how they can set the tone for the day and are a consistency in the students’ lives.
Bramlett thanked Transportation Director Denver Foster, and pointed out the Fannin County facility was the “only Blue Star Certified garage in the state” for quite awhile under Foster’s leadership.
The school board chairman told the story of driving by the old facility one morning when the temperature had dipped to 17 degrees, and seeing the back end of a bus sticking out an open door so mechanics could work on it. This reflected the need for the new building.
“Did Dr. G. mention that we’re debt free?,” Bramlett concluded.