BURIEN, Wash. — For the 15th consecutive year, Highline Public Schools’ transportation department has earned outstanding marks from the Washington State Patrol on its school bus safety inspection, district officials announced.

Like other school bus operations in the state, Highline’s fleet undergoes two inspections by the Washington State Patrol each year: one scheduled and one unannounced.

All buses and vehicles are examined during the scheduled inspection, and 25% of the fleet is inspected during the surprise visit. The inspection covers all aspects of student transportation safety, including 300 separate points on each vehicle.

“Student safety while riding the school bus is our No. 1 priority,” said Scott Logan, interim director of transportation and security. “Highline transports nearly 10,000 students every day using more than 100 school buses and a dozen other vehicles. This outstanding track record demonstrates the high level of commitment to student safety of all of our mechanics, drivers, departmental staff and administrators.”

Other recent news on school bus inspections:

• Iowa bus inspection fee to increase, pending governor approval

• Bill would expand S.D. school bus inspector pool