Last Updated on February 27, 2025 4:51 pm
BOONE – Watauga County Schools is excited to announce the addition of a 2025 bus to the white fleet of activity buses. Activity buses are primarily used for athletics and field trips for students across the district. After building the bus specifically for Watauga County Schools, the Carolina Thomas bus company, headquartered in Greensboro, NC, delivered Bus 8155 to Watauga High School on Feb. 26.
The excitement was magnified when the bus was delivered to WHS as a surprise for Athletic Director Dustin Kerley, who was unaware of the purchase. Kerley manages the Watauga High School and Middle School Athletic Departments, including scheduling team transportation. The new activity bus will be a welcomed addition, enhancing the opportunities for our student athletes.
“We’re thrilled to offer our students and staff an expansion of our activity bus fleet,” said Janet Tanner, WCS Transportation Manager. “We would like to thank our local school board, Superintendent Dr. Leslie Alexander and Transportation Department staff for the investment in providing transportation services to our students. We would also like to thank Roy Parks, Carolina Thomas Western Regional Sales Manager, and staff for their commitment to safety and caring for our transportation needs over the years.”
For more information on the new bus or fleet, please contact Janet Tanner at the WCS Transportation Department at (828) 264-6391.
About Watauga County Schools Transportation Department
The Watauga County Schools Transportation Department serves over 1,300 students across 10 schools in the district. Our bus drivers and transportation personnel are committed to providing safe, efficient, and orderly transportation services for all eligible students in Watauga County.
Bus in the lot before it was driven to Watauga. Photo: Carolina Thomas
From Left: Dustin Kerley, Janet Tanner and Roy Parks (Carolina Thomas Western Regional Sales Manager). Photo: Bailey Little
Following the bus's arrival at WHS, WCS and WHS administrators and staff boarded the new bus and took a look around. Pictured are Janet Tanner, Heather Strickler, Roy Parks, Kevin Winebarger, Dustin Kerley, Scott Strickler, Dr. Chris Blanton and Laura Carson with several student athletes. Photo: Bailey Little
Dustin Kerley and Ms. Tanner after he first laid eyes on the bus. (surprise!) Photo: Bailey Little
