SPOKANE, Wash. and BURNSVILLE, Minn. — Durham School Services was recently honored with an award for the maintenance program at one of its Washington locations, and received a 100% score on an inspection of one of its Minnesota fleets.

The school bus company earned recognition from the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Blue Seal Program for its Spokane location.

At least 75% of technicians performing diagnosis and repairs at a location must be ASE certified in order to qualify for the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program. Each area of service offered in the maintenance shop must be covered by at least one ASE-certified technician.

“As a safe, reliable partner, we want to congratulate Durham on achieving ASE Blue Seal,” said Mark Sterk, director of safety, risk management, and transportation for Spokane Public Schools. “At Spokane Public Schools, we take pride in building the strengths and gifts of each child, and that starts with getting our students safely to and from school each day with the help of Durham.”

Durham hosted an event to recognize the achievement of their maintenance team with approximately 200 individuals in attendance, including Jim Moore, Durham’s vice president of maintenance, and members of Spokane Public Schools.

“To earn the ASE Blue Seal certification means your team is among ‘the best of the best,’” Moore said. “This program ensures our technicians stay current with the latest technology and processes. Our maintenance team in Spokane currently has four ASE Master Certified technicians with more on the way.”

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals.

In other news, Durham received a perfect score of 100% on a recent fleet inspection by the Minnesota State Patrol (MSP).

MSP inspected the exterior and interior of every vehicle in the fleet that serves the students of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

“We’re proud to receive such excellent recognition from the Minnesota State Patrol,” said Shaun Willis, region manager for Durham. “As a core value, safety is always our top priority, and safe service starts with safe buses.”

“We commend Durham for earning this recognition, and for providing our students with safe, reliable transportation,” said Glenn Simon, director of transportation for the school district.

This is the second consecutive year that the Durham location in Burnsville, Minnesota, has earned a perfect fleet inspection score, according to the company.

“Receiving a perfect score two years in a row is one of the best compliments to our team’s dedicated efforts to ensuring the excellent maintenance of our fleet, and the safety of the students we transport,” Willis added.