Every month, the Parsons USD 503 Board of Education accepts gifts to schools from the community, and each is recognized publicly.
All gifts are valued, but on occasion, there is a gift the district feels deserves added public acknowledgment, like a recent one from Mike Carpino Ford in Parsons.
Just before the summer driver’s education program was set to start, the district learned its driver’s education car had reached the point of being beyond economical repair.
“Mechanically, it was at its end,” driving instructor Wes Krull said.
With a budget for the last fiscal year already strained by multiple funding cuts, the purchase of a new or good used vehicle was not feasible.
The district reached out to local car dealerships to see if they could assist. Mike Carpino stepped up to help, loaning the district a nearly new Ford Escape, saving the day for the 55 students enrolled in the class this year.
“They even put the extra brake in and everything,” Krull said.
“It’s a huge upgrade from the car we used last year. It was a good learning car, but this one has all the features, like the backup camera, that every new car has these days. It’s definitely more reliable and more safe.”
One of the students said the Escape is nice, though they think it is a bit touchy on the brakes and accelerator.
Krull laughed. “These kids are the ones breaking it in. It had under 10,000 miles.”
A magnetic sign on the back doors lets people know the vehicle is provided by Mike Carpino Ford.
Krull said he was excited to have Wright Signs make two similarly- sized magnetic signs for the front doors letting people know student drivers are at the wheel.
“They look good,” he said. The students usually participate in a week of classroom study to get their learner’s permit and a week of driving, preparing them to get the rest of their practice hours with their parents or other licensed drivers over the age of 21.
Krull said they are ensuring they are taking good care of the car.
After the remaining 20 freshmen finish their course, the Escape will be returned to Carpino.
“It’s a pretty sweet ride. It’s definitely the best car I’ve driven,” Krull said.
“We’re very thankful to Mike Carpino for loaning this to us.”
