Keith Main was presented the Kentucky Third-Party Examiner Award of Excellence at the annual recognition ceremony hosted by the Student Transportation Association of Kentucky on June 20. The program was part of the association’s annual conference in Louisville. Third-party examiners are highly skilled individuals who are qualified to administer tests to applicants seeking a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), such as is required to drive a school bus in the state of Kentucky.
The Award of Excellence is presented by the STAK board upon a thorough review of nominations from across the state. Main was recognized for exemplifying the following ideals:
· Dedication to the safe transport of students
· Dedication to excellence in all aspects of instruction in pupil transportation
· Consistency, in-depth knowledge of, and strict adherence to established laws and regulations in the administration of the CDL Skills Test to qualified drivers
· Uncompromising devotion to the preparation, maintenance and confidentiality of information, records and data related to assigned activities
Keith Main began training as a school bus driver in November 1992 and began working as a substitute bus driver and monitor in April 1993 before becoming a full-time bus driver in July that year. He began responsibilities as a driver instructor in April 1993 and became a third-party examiner in July 2000.
During his career with DCPS, main has administered an average of 55 CDL examinations per year for Daviess County Public Schools and surrounding school districts. He has taught four School Bus Driver Trainer Instructor classes a year in Frankfort for the past several years, and has facilitated numerous school bus driver classroom instruction modules for DCPS. In addition to these responsibilities, Main has continued to provide service as a substitute bus driver whenever needed.
Main said he was both surprised and humbled by the honor. “It has been such an honor to work with the state department as third-party examiner,” Main said. “I will always cherish this award, and my time working to provide safe transportation for the children of this state. I would like to thank Daviess County Public Schools for allowing me to serve in this capacity.”
DCPS transportation director Downey Ward said Main’s recognition is well deserved. “Keith is a dedicated and exceptionally knowledgeable professional whose uncompromising commitment to safe operations reflects great credit upon himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Daviess County Public Schools,” Ward said.