Dean Transportation in Lansing, MI, was named SBF 1995 Contractor of the Year. Dean Transportation was selected because of its management excellence, dedication to safety and service, contributions in the community and industry achievements at the state and national levels.

Kellie Dean, president, accepted the award at the 31st National School Transportation Association’s Annual Convention in Toronto.

Throughout the years, Dean and his predecessor, Lyle Stephens, have worked tirelessly on behalf of the safe transportation of children with disabilities. Their work has contributed to the adoption of federal safety restraint standards for wheelchair occupants. Their efforts advanced research and development of dynamic crash testing standards for wheelchairs.

In addition to those efforts, Dean has served as co-chair of the Special Transportation Operations Committee for the 12th National Standards Conference. He has devoted countless hours, particularly over the past few years, to travel to state, regional and national conferences speaking on issues concerning the safe transportation of medically fragile children and children with disabilities.

Professionalism pays dividends

Dean’s expertise is sought because of the professional manner in which his operation is run. For example, the company established a medical review team that includes school nurses and physicians who provide important information for transporting students with special equipment or medical needs.

To prepare drivers for transporting medically fragile students, the company schedules annual training courses at a local community college. Drivers receive 27 hours of training by a nurse and respiratory therapist on seizure and respiratory management, CPR and first aid.

And to anticipate future regulatory changes, the company has designated employees who track federal and state education laws that affect the transportation of students with disabilities.

In addition to those attributes, Dean Transportation provides community services. For example, it has donated buses for the Michigan Special Olympics for the past several years.

Those are just a few of the reasons the editors of the magazine chose Dean Transportation as this year’s award recipient. And there was stiff competition — the two other nominees were undeniably worthy opponents.

Contenders tough to beat

SBF would like to acknowledge those nominees: Kevin Endres, president of Mountain Transit in Milton, VT, and Douglas Flatt, administrative vice president of Mid Columbia Bus Co. in Condon, OR.

Mountain Transit operates 105 buses and transports 8,000 students daily. Mid Columbia operates 293 buses and transports 8,500 students.

Both operators are known in the industry for providing excellent service and for their commitment to industry excellence. In their communities they are commended for their community service programs and for running safe and efficient operations.

Mountain Transit and Mid Columbia will be considered for future awards, as will all companies that have been nominated over the years.

Furthermore, a Contractor of the Year nomination form is published in the March and April/May issues of the magazine and the editors encourage individuals to nominate contractors who they think should be recognized as industry leaders.

Each year the editors struggle to choose the award recipient, because there are so many worthy candidates.