Pictured, from left, are Warsaw Community Schools’ Transportation Director Mark Fick; Kerlin Bus Sales President Cliff Zehr; Kerlin Bus Sales Vice-President Melanie Zehr; WCS Chief Financial Officer April Fitterling; Baker Youth Club Executive Director Tracy Furnivall; WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert; and Mark Tracy, WCS bus driver. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Warsaw Community Schools and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. recently announced their collaboration in donating a bus to the Baker Youth Club.

This partnership signifies a shared commitment to supporting the local community and enhancing transportation services for WCS students.

As part of WCS’s bus replacement plan, several buses are traded in each year. Recognizing the value of these buses, WCS worked with Kerlin to provide BYC with a much-needed transportation solution because of the increased number of students attending BYC before and after school.

Instead of the typical trade-in process, WCS and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. worked together to offer the bus to BYC at a significantly reduced rate. This new mode of transportation will ensure WCS students have convenient access to the valuable programs and resources offered by BYC.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. to support the Baker Youth Club,” said WCS Transportation Director Mark Fick. “By donating this bus, we are supporting the education and development of our students beyond the classroom. We believe in the importance of fostering strong partnerships within our community, and this collaboration is a testament to that commitment.”

“BYC staff are very thankful and excited about the new bus,” said BYC Executive Director Tracy Furnivall. “The collaboration between Kerlin Bus and WCS in supporting us with student transportation is of utmost importance. Transportation has always been the biggest issue with why kids don’t come and with the partnership with WCS (and our BYC buses) we have eliminated that obstacle. The second bus will give us some options as we navigate the growth at a couple schools. BYC is very thankful for this partnership.”

“WCS is so thankful for the long-standing partnership with BYC,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “The before and after-school programming provides a safe and engaging environment for students outside of the school day. Our ability to provide small ways to support through a bus has a direct positive impact for our students, parents and community.”

The joint effort between WCS and Kerlin Bus Sales & Leasing, Inc. to donate a bus to BYC showcases the power of collaboration and community involvement, as well as the shared commitment to ensuring the success and well-being of WCS students.