By Tuesdee Veld | Wednesday education reporter

Despite a two-hour school delay because of a fog alert, longtime Bass Lake school bus driver Ralph “Blue Bird” Carpenter adhered to his regular pick-up schedule early today.

“I’ll never let a little haze keep me away from work,” Carpenter said. “Ever. Otherwise, why be employed at all?”

Carpenter made all the required stops at rural Bass Lake homes containing students. No children boarded during that time.

When he, 57, completed his route, he returned the vehicle to its proper parking stall at the district’s bus garage.

Craig “Wrench Chef” Gregory, vice supervisor of transportation management and motor maintenance at Bass Lake schools, refused to elaborate about the situation.

“Can’t ya see I’m in the middle of a lube job here?” Gregory said. “Seriously, get out.”

Educational administrators could not be reached for comment, because they’re never available.

• Update: As a makeup-plan, the school day will be extended by two hours on Jan. 12, 2016, pending a winter weather advisory.
• Related: Previous bus controversies