The nonprofit Drive $mart Wisconsin’s evidence-based driving training program offers practical tips and skills for getting the most out of a tank of gas.
The post The secret to fuel efficient driving starts before you turn the key appeared first on WPR.
Student safety depends on buses that start every morning and perform reliably every mile. But reactive maintenance (fixing buses only after they fail) puts your fleet at risk of breakdowns, delays and potentially dangerous roadside emergencies.
This guide offers a framework for shifting from costly “break-fix” repairs to a predictive, data-driven maintenance strategy that helps you catch problems before they jeopardize student safety.
Inside, you will learn why traditional maintenance falls short and how aging fleets create hidden risks that reactive programs often miss.
Download this guide if your district is ready to stop reacting to failures and start preventing them, so every student you transport rides on a safer school bus.
Fill out the form below and then check your email to access the predictive maintenance guide.
The post (Free White Paper) How To Make Maintenance Your School Bus Operation’s Safety Advantage appeared first on School Transportation News.
Public EV charging is expensive compared to juicing up at home, but $16,000 for 4.91 kWh is really taking the electrons. That’s the bill ($CAD22,308) one Canadian Kia owner says he received after a charging session apparently remained electronically open for more than 15 months.
Reddit user IntelliDev posted the incredible invoice more than a year after he’d topped up his EV9 with Hypercharge Networks. It shows the session beginning at 6.57 p.m. on May 17, 2025, but not ending until 1.09 p.m. on August 25, 2026.
Related: The Best Fast Charging Experience In America Isn’t From Tesla
The Kia EV9 is among the faster-charging electric cars, capable of swallowing up to 235 kW when hooked up to the right kind of equipment. But if this bill was to be believed, and the EV9 really did need 15 months to chug down just 4.91 kWh, its effective charge rate would have been less than half a Watt per hour. “And I thought my Bolt charged slowly,” one Reddit commenter joked, alluding to the 2017-23 Chevy‘s modest 55 kW rate.
The invoice itself offers a clue besides the price to there being some major mix-up going on here. It says the session “took place in the past on a terminal that was out of communication.” That suggests the actual charging stopped long ago, but the network didn’t receive or correctly process the message telling it the session was finished.
Billed By the Hour
And because the charger appears to have billed by time rather than electrical units, the meter apparently kept running. At roughly CAD$2 ($1.44) per hour, the elapsed time between those start and finish dates gets you close to the enormous invoice total.
In another glitch, the invoice lists the session duration as only seven days, 18 hours, 12 minutes and 40 seconds, apparently omitting the preceding year and three months even though the billing calculation seems to have remembered them.
IntelliDev said he emailed Hypercharge to dispute the bill but hadn’t received a response at the time of his latest update. We’ve also found nothing suggesting the company has publicly explained what happened yet.
H/t to Auto Evolution
Your propane bulk plant may be running fine today. That does not necessarily mean it is ready for the first stretch of sustained cold weather.
As demand increases, equipment that handled lower summer volumes may soon be running harder and more frequently. A worn hose, underperforming pump, leaking valve, or Emergency Shut-Down (ESD) system issue that is manageable today can become a much bigger problem when demand is high and taking equipment offline is no longer convenient.
The best time to find those problems is before the cold arrives.
Fuel efficiency is deeply tied to the physical conditions that routes traverse. Not all miles are equal in those physical conditions. Road infrastructure plays a significant role in both school bus fuel consumption and vehicle wear.
In rural districts, infrastructure challenges can be even more pronounced, as noted by Rich Casto, transportation supervisor for Jackson County Schools in West Virginia. The school district uses data analytics to help mitigate associated challenges with sering an area of nearly 500 square miles along the Ohio River and Appalachian foothills.
Data analytics help districts evaluate alternative paths that may reduce wear, even if they require slight adjustments in routing.
Vehicle assignment is another emerging strategy. By matching higher-efficiency or newer buses to more demanding routes, districts can extend fleet life and reduce maintenance costs.
“When districts have this data at the route level, they can make smarter decisions about vehicle assignment [by] putting newer or higher-efficiency units on high-demand, high-wear routes and matching assets to routes in ways that extend useful life across the fleet,” said Craig Berndt, Geotab business segment manager for people transportation.
The connection between routing choices and maintenance outcomes is real and quantifiable.
“Districts that are actively using telematics to inform maintenance scheduling and route assignments are finding they can extend brake and tire replacement intervals meaningfully, and reduce unexpected breakdowns, which have their own significant cost in substitute vehicles and driver overtime,” he added.
Berndt pointed out that a 60-mile route on flat pavement is not the same maintenance proposition as a 60-mile route with six miles of gravel, three significant grades and a railroad crossing that requires a full stop every morning run.
Hard braking events, acceleration patterns and vehicle fault codes captured by GPS and engine diagnostic integration give maintenance teams early visibility into which routes are accelerating wear cycles, and fuel consumption varies significantly by road type, said Berndt.
“A bus working through frequent stop-and-go on a congested urban arterial will burn 20 to 30 percent more fuel per mile than the same bus on a steady rural highway run,” he said.
Related: Fleet Managers Share Importance of Summer Maintenance for Back-to-School Safety
Related: Data & Routing Analytics for Fuel Efficiency
Related: The People Behind Fleet Uptime
Related: Planned Versus Actual Routes and the Impact on Unnecessary Mileage
Kacy L. Davis, Sr., St. Louis (Missouri) Public Schools (SLPS) transportation director, noted not only do road conditions impact fuel use but maintenance cycles as well.
The Chenango Valley Central School District in Binghamton, New York, hones in on a few of its long out-of-district routes, keeps an eye on vehicles with excessive mileage and considers the impact of railroad crossings on bus routes.
“We have just a couple of long out-of-district routes,” noted Transportation Supervisor Jason Hibbard. “We focus on this a lot. We regularly switch buses on these routes so we can manage overall mileage on these vehicles.”
Last school year, the district saw an excessive increase in the usage of its SUVs for specialized transportation. It had to take the SUVs out of service as its two brand new vehicles are nearing the mileage of its 2017 vehicles.
“We are a 25-square mile district,” Hibbard explained. “Within that small space, we have 12 railroad crossings. Almost daily, we have to reroute based on slow or stopped trains.”
Kathy Calkins, North Clackamas (Oregon) School District transportation director, noted that consistent bus inspections help ascertain the impact of wear and tear from road infrastructure.
The post Road Infrastructure Impacts School Transportation Vehicle Wear, Industry Pros Say appeared first on School Transportation News.
As students nationwide return to school, the work completed on school buses throughout the summer helps ensure they start classes with a safe, reliable ride.
Harley Pinson, assistant director of transportation fleet maintenance for Paulding County Schools in Georgia, said each summer mechanics inspect all areas of school buses to establish a baseline of their condition and identify aspects that drivers might not be aware of.
“We try not to prioritize one area over another,” added Pinson, an instructor for the STN EXPO National School Bus Inspection Program and a co-developer of the Georgia Association for Pupil Transportation inspector certification. “This gives us an overall view of the condition of the bus, not just safety-related items, although safety remains our highest priority. We also complete mileage-related maintenance, such as replacing spark plugs and fuel filters, along with oil changes that are due or will become due shortly after the school year begins.”
While noting the importance of checking HVAC, battery, tires and brakes, he said those are not simply summer tasks. “I feel it is important to check these items every time a bus comes in for service, not just during the summer,” he said.
Pinson added that mechanics and technicians also use the summer to update supplemental systems, such as DVR firmware, onboard mapping systems and two-way radios. “In addition, we schedule fire extinguisher inspections, fueling site inspections, and complete any other tasks that are easier to perform while the buses are not in daily route service.”
Meanwhile, in Texas, Duran Hargest III, director of fleet services for Dallas Independent School District in Texas, said during the summer vehicle repairs are their top priority.
“We focus on multiple departments within our fleet, ensuring that everything runs smoothly,” he said. “This includes making sure the air conditioning is functioning properly on our school buses, servicing the reefer units on our refrigerated trucks for food delivery to campuses and maintaining the ground equipment to keep the campuses in good condition.”
Gary Harlow, the shop manager of Coffee County Schools in Tennessee, said the work he prioritizes over summer is safety. “Anything we got to do to be safe for transporting children: The precious cargo,” he said. “We got to make sure safety first and foremost over everything. Whether it be tires, freight shoes, alarm buzzers.”
He said shop technicians aren’t doing their job if they’re not looking for potential mishaps. He said summer is an essential time for catching any problems, especially as during the school year many members of his maintenance team are driving routes.
“I’m big on brake lining, brake wear, drums,” he said, adding techs check all the windows, door buzzers and eight-way lights. “We need to make sure we’re doing our job to the utmost high standard it can possibly be.”
Detailing Summer Maintenance
Georgia’s Pinson said taking care of known issues during the summer allows the team to be better prepared to handle unexpected issues that arise when drivers and students return to school.
“Summer can be a challenging time because many systems are finishing one fiscal year budget while beginning the next,” he said. “If the work is not planned properly, you can run out of funds while still having plenty of work left to complete. Planning work around employee vacations, training and conferences can also be a challenge.”
Related: 2026 Garage Stars: Celebrating Excellence in Fleet Maintenance
Related: A Jolt to School Bus Maintenance
Related: School Bus Maintenance Process Recommendations Influenced by Technology
Related: Oregon School District Maintenance Internship Program Yields Success
Hargest in Texas said that regardless of summer or winter, the maintenance team services the vehicles continuously throughout the year, every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. He noted that fleets could make mistakes when planning summer service, if they don’t have maintenance software to track repairs and alert for overdue services.
Tennessee’s Harlow said catching problems during the summer prevents bigger issues later down in the school year. He said the district does a lot with their buses, including all the fueling on site. So, a common practice when drivers are fueling their buses, the mechanics will be at the fuel island checking oil, brakes and tires.
He said common mistakes are not checking belts, batteries and alternator outputs.
“I come from the trucking world. I got into the [student] transportation side, and I’ve only worked in one shop as far as transportation,” Harlow said. “I really don’t know how other transportation mechanics vibe, but we have discussed, me and my guys, going to other shops and seeing how they operate to see if there’s something we can take away from that.”
The post Fleet Managers Share Importance of Summer Maintenance for Back-to-School Safety appeared first on School Transportation News.
Earlier this year, School Transportation News invited nominations for exceptional professionals and teams in school transportation fleet maintenance. The annual Garage Stars program recognizes the people working behind the scenes to keep school buses and support vehicles safe, reliable, and ready to serve students.
More than 90 nominations were submitted by school districts, private transportation providers and industry partners across the U.S. and Canada. The submissions highlight an accomplished group of technicians, mechanics, supervisors, fleet managers and maintenance teams whose knowledge, leadership and dedication strengthen their transportation programs and communities. Meet the 13 standouts (three teams and ten individuals) that were selected for the 11th annual Garage Stars spotlight, featured in the August Edition of School Transportation News magazine.
The editorial team evaluates nominees using a 10-point system developed by consultant and STN Technical Editor Bob Pudlewski. Nominees are considered according to the following criteria:
Here is the full list of this year’s nominees:
Adrian Vigil
Equipment Mechanic
Modesto City Schools, California
In his first year with Modesto City Schools, Vigil made an immediate impact through his professionalism, leadership and technical expertise. He brings five years of heavy-duty mechanical experience and a strong commitment to safety and excellence. Vigil has identified defects in newly delivered buses, corrected inspection discrepancies in older fleet vehicles, and ensured that repairs and documentation are completed accurately and promptly. He actively supports Transportation Leadership Academy events and volunteered personal time during the December 2025 Christmas parade to repair a disabled bus. His positive attitude inspires confidence daily and sets a professional standard that others gladly follow each day without hesitation.
Allen Thornburgh
Area Maintenance Manager, Oregon and California
Student Transportation of America, Oregon
With more than 20 years in the school bus industry, Thornburgh is committed to keeping safe, reliable vehicles on the road for students. He oversees eight locations across two states, encompassing a total fleet of approximately 460 buses. Thornburgh maintains current training on Cummins and Propane engines as well as other vehicle systems, enabling him to train and assist shop managers and technicians with diagnostics and repairs.
Angelica Lopez
Fleet Maintenance Specialist
Odyssey Charter School, Delaware
Lopez is an indispensable member of the fleet operations, demonstrating exceptional expertise and dedication. Highly knowledgeable in all aspects of bus maintenance and repair, she addresses problems immediately to keep the fleet operational. Her hands-on experience with a diverse range of vehicles enables her to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues with remarkable efficiency.
Anthony Ashley
Senior Director of Fleet Services
Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia
Ashley has been an unsung hero in the Atlanta Public Schools community. Since assuming leadership of a struggling department in 2019, he has worked tirelessly to build a thriving team and a well-functioning organization centered on student safety. His extensive knowledge of fleet operations and the transportation industry makes him a versatile and highly effective leader.
Blake Daniels
Maintenance
Gibson County Garage/Humboldt City Schools, Tennessee
Daniels and his team conduct their work with professionalism, efficiency and care. They respond promptly to routine maintenance needs and emergency situations while remaining approachable and ready to assist others. Daniels is an exceptionally hard worker who goes out of his way to ensure that every vehicle in the system is properly maintained and ready for service.
Bradley Rose
Mechanic
Lakeland School Corporation, Indiana
As Lakeland’s only mechanic, Rose is responsible for maintaining all school buses and other district vehicles. He remains calm and dependable in every situation, from buses experiencing mechanical problems while on route to vehicles becoming stuck in the mud. Rose also takes every driver’s concern seriously, patiently investigating unusual rattles and other problems even when they are difficult to reproduce.
Brady Feck
Maintenance Supervisor
Summit School Services, Ohio
Feck strengthens the maintenance team through a rare combination of technical innovation and hands-on leadership. A career diesel technician, he not only repairs school buses but also improves systems, introduces more effective diagnostic methods and streamlines preventive maintenance procedures. His cost-saving solutions help extend fleet life and reduce downtime. Feck’s forward-thinking approach has led to the adoption of tools and processes that improve efficiency and reliability throughout Summit School Services’ Great Lakes region.
Brady Bentlin
Maintenance Supervisor
Summit School Services, Illinois
Bentlin’s career is defined by technical excellence and a rapid, highly impactful progression into leadership, most notably during his time with Durham School Services. He graduated from Illinois Valley Community College in May 2018 with five automotive technology certifications, including advanced automotive technology, brakes, suspension and alignment, drivability, and engine performance. Bentlin later developed his diesel expertise at CIT Trucks in Peru, Illinois, before spending more than four years maintaining municipal assets ranging from light-duty vehicles to Class 7 trucks and heavy construction equipment. He leads from the front setting expectations around safety, quality and efficiency while also mentoring technicians and building a strong, reliable culture within the operation. His ability to connect with his team, solve problems, and elevate overall performance has made a measurable impact in a short period of time.
Brent Downes
Shop Foreman
Southland Transportation, Foam Lake, Saskatchewan
Downes is the backbone of the maintenance crew, keeping buses moving through the shop and ensuring repairs are completed promptly. He patiently teaches the shop’s apprentice how to perform work properly and safely while bringing a welcome sense of humor to the team. Outside the shop, Downes supports his community through soccer, bowling, and transportation for dance activities.
Brent Keeler
Mechanic
G & T Trucking, California
Keeler is a friendly, patient and highly knowledgeable mechanic who is always available to help. He willingly explains vehicle components to drivers, even when asked repeatedly, and approaches every repair with skill and attention to detail. A meticulous professional, Keeler also takes great pride in maintaining an exceptionally clean and organized shop.
Brian Van Alstine
Technician-in-Charge
First Student, Missouri
Van Alstine exemplifies the technical expertise, leadership and commitment to operational excellence expected of a Garage Star. An ASE Master School Bus Technician, he independently operates a 30-bus shop that supports three separate contracts, consistently maintaining strong reliability and vehicle availability despite limited resources. His ability to manage diagnostics, repairs, preventive maintenance and regulatory compliance demonstrates exceptional discipline and efficiency while directly supporting fleet safety and service continuity.
Caleb Short
Bus Mechanic
Wauseon Exempted Village Schools, Ohio
As the district’s sole mechanic, Short keeps 20 school buses operating safely and looking their best. He listens carefully to drivers’ concerns and responds promptly to their vehicle needs. Short’s kindness, consideration and welcoming attitude make him a trusted resource for everyone who enters his shop.
Cecil Ables
Shop Supervisor
STA, Portersville, Pennsylvania
Ables consistently goes above and beyond his regular responsibilities to keep the fleet in excellent condition and ready for the road. When the operation is short-staffed, he willingly drives routes and assists wherever needed. His dependability, flexibility and team-first attitude help make each day run more smoothly.
Cesar Heyliger
Mechanic
Crosby Independent School District, Texas
Heyliger is recognized for providing more than 20 years of exceptional customer service. His long-standing dedication and commitment have made him a valued member of the district’s transportation operation.
Chad Dempe
Journeyman Mechanic
Centennial School District, Oregon
Dempe has been a welcome addition to the district’s maintenance team and a pleasure to work with. Although he has extensive experience managing contractor vehicle fleets across multiple states, he gives every district vehicle careful attention to ensure the safety of Centennial’s students. His positive attitude and friendly smile provide an encouraging start and finish to each successful workday.
Charles Watts
Technician
Dallas Independent School District, Texas
Since Watts transferred to the Lawnview Service Center, vehicle downtime has decreased. His timely, efficient service has helped improve fleet availability and strengthened the location’s maintenance operation.
Chris Hess
Vehicle Technician
Estes Park School District R-3, Colorado
Although Hess joined the district only this year, he immediately began completing important vehicle repairs that had been deferred for several years. He responds promptly to new vehicle deficiency reports, often completing repairs the same day or the following day when parts must be ordered. Hess is also patient and understanding with drivers, helping them communicate vehicle concerns and treating mistakes with professionalism. He never hesitates to step in and help wherever it may be needed. In addition to his normal job duties, he drives a route, assists with training new drivers, plows school parking lots, and helps maintenance staff with building and equipment repairs.
Christopher Howard
Lead Mechanic
Cumberland County Schools, Tennessee
Howard is an excellent and highly knowledgeable mechanic who approaches his work with pride each day. His technical expertise, dedication and commitment to quality make a meaningful difference in the district’s transportation operation. His dependability and professional approach make him a valued member of the Cumberland County Schools team.
Dale Watkins
Maintenance Supervisor
GoldStar Burleson, Texas
Watkins arrives early each morning with a positive attitude and consistently goes above and beyond for his team. He prepares keys for early drivers, starts buses on freezing days and works diligently to return disabled vehicles to service as quickly as possible. His dependable, friendly, and team-oriented approach makes GoldStar Burleson a better place to work.
Dallas Gabriel and the Clarke County School District Maintenance Team
Assistant Director of Fleet and Maintenance Team
Clarke County School District, Georgia
Gabriel and his team keep the district’s school buses running safely and efficiently while maintaining all other district vehicles with the same care and professionalism. Their strong record speaks for itself: They consistently excel during state inspections and rarely have a bus removed from service because of a major mechanical problem. Their dedication, reliability and teamwork make them deserving Garage Star nominees.
Dallas Wilcox
Mechanic III/Fuel Operator
Caswell County Schools, North Carolina
During his three years with the district, Wilcox has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new responsibilities. He recently assumed the additional duty of operating the district’s fueling program while continuing to help maintain 22 buses and service vehicles. Wilcox completes his work promptly and willingly assists other mechanics whenever needed.
Danny Akers
Lead Mechanic
Sanger Unified School District, California
Akers developed an innovative work schedule that leaves one mechanic available each day to handle urgent repairs and respond to accidents. This system allows other technicians to complete scheduled work without interruption while ensuring immediate needs are addressed promptly. Drawing on his many years in pupil transportation, Akers has improved shop efficiency without compromising planned maintenance or fleet safety.
Dave Blaine
Head Mechanic
Killingly Public Schools, Connecticut
Blaine has been a tireless advocate for the district and the students it serves. Whether repairing a bus, covering a route or driving a last-minute athletic trip, he willingly steps in wherever needed. His dedication helps ensure students travel safely each day, while his team-first attitude makes operations easier for everyone throughout the transportation department.
Dave Hart
Lead Mechanic
Edina Public Schools Transportation, Minnesota
During his approximately 15 years with Edina Public Schools, Hart has become a trusted source of mechanical knowledge and expertise. His broad abilities help keep the district’s fleet and equipment operating reliably. Hart is especially skilled at tracing, diagnosing and repairing complex electrical problems that can challenge even experienced mechanics.
Dave Tartaglia
Regional Maintenance Manager
First Student, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Tartaglia has dedicated nearly 25 years to First Student and consistently provides steady, credible leadership. After serving as regional maintenance manager for the New Jersey/South region, he moved into a role supporting Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During the past eight years, Tartaglia has led major operational launches involving fleets of 70 to 350 vehicles, applying disciplined planning, rapid problem-solving and persistent follow-through.
Dave York
Mechanic
River Valley Schools, Michigan
With 35 years of dedicated service, York is a cornerstone of the transportation department, and a major reason River Valley Schools maintains one of the county’s strongest fleets. A certified mechanic and commercial driver’s license holder, he leads by example every day. His exceptional service, leadership and community involvement have made a lasting impact on the district. He serves the community as a girls’ assistant softball coach, giving back to the students he protects every day. With countless driver stories and decades of impact, his contributions are truly nomination‑worthy.
Diego Ortega
Maintenance Supervisor
Summit School Services/A&S Transportation, Louisiana
Ortega has been instrumental in transforming A&S Transportation’s New Orleans maintenance operation and building a strong, cohesive team. His leadership was essential to placing 53 electric school buses into service and successfully launching the program. This accomplishment established the operation as the largest electric school bus fleet serving the New Orleans market.
Donald Lewis
Technician III
First Student, New Jersey
Lewis is often the first technician others turn to when challenges arise. His extensive knowledge and proactive approach to troubleshooting enable him to identify and resolve issues before they cause downtime, improving overall fleet reliability. He readily shares his expertise by mentoring fellow technicians and supporting new team members. A certified electric vehicle technician and ASE Master School Bus Technician with additional automotive ASE certifications, Lewis brings advanced technical capabilities to every shop he supports.
Doug Klein
Fleet Manager
Rockwall Independent School District, Texas
With more than 25 years of management experience, Klein brings exceptional leadership, technical expertise and dedication to the district’s transportation operation. He began his career as a school bus mechanic, developing a strong understanding of fleet maintenance. As fleet manager, Klein has implemented procedures that keep preventive maintenance on schedule and regularly walks the fleet to monitor vehicle safety, condition and readiness.
Eric Jackson
Head Mechanic
Wa-Nee Community Schools, Indiana
Some people keep buses running; Jackson keeps an entire school community moving. As Wa-Nee Community Schools’ sole technician, he maintains a 56-bus fleet that safely transports approximately 3,000 students each day. The fleet includes 29 propane buses, 20 diesel buses and seven gasoline buses. Through his commitment to predictive and preventive maintenance, Jackson ensures the district’s buses remain safe, reliable and ready for service.
Escambia County School District Transportation Maintenance Team
Transportation Maintenance Team
Escambia County School District, Florida
The Escambia County transportation maintenance team is the often-unseen backbone of the district’s operation. Its members are responsible for maintaining the safety and reliability of more than 600 school buses and support vehicles. Although their daily work centers on engines, transmissions and safety inspections, the team’s response during a recent crisis at a local middle school demonstrated that its commitment to student safety extends far beyond the garage.
Etherean Williams
Transportation Shop Manager
Gainesville City Schools, Georgia
Williams exemplifies the spirit of a Garage Star through his dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence. As the backbone of the transportation department, he helps ensure that every bus is safe, reliable and ready to serve students each day. His attention to detail and extensive knowledge of fleet operations keeps the district’s transportation program running smoothly, even under pressure. Williams is a natural leader and mentor. He invests in training others, sharing his knowledge, and building a stronger, more capable team. His positive attitude and strong work ethic inspire those around him.
Fayetteville-Manlius Transportation Mechanical Department
Transportation Mechanical Department
Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, New York
The Fayetteville-Manlius Transportation Mmchanical department brings more than 25 years of collective experience to the district. Team members (John Betts, Pat Howley, Bob Weir, Brian Wilson, Travis Niles, Aaron Fountain, Jeff Ritcher, and John), work together seamlessly, understand one another’s strengths and take great pride in everything they do. They begin each day with positive attitudes and readily adapt to new challenges. Whether driving buses or completing minor and major repairs, the team works tirelessly to support the district and its drivers.
Fort Bend ISD Fleet Maintenance Team
Fleet Maintenance Team
Fort Bend Independent School District, Texas
The Fort Bend ISD Fleet maintenance team provides exceptional leadership while supporting one of Texas’s largest and most complex school transportation programs. Serving the state’s sixth-largest student population, the team operates across two major facilities while preparing to open a third to accommodate continued district growth. Its innovative approach to preventive maintenance, fleet reliability and regulatory compliance keeps buses safe, serviceable and ready for daily operations.
Frank Cieslak
Head Mechanic
Deer Lakes School District, Pennsylvania
Cieslak has served the district for nearly 13 years. The son of a mechanic, he began working on vehicles during childhood and developed extensive hands-on knowledge. He keeps the district’s buses safe, in proper operating conditions and on the road, including vehicles that have been in service for more than a decade. His careful maintenance consistently earns the fleet high marks during state inspections.
Freemon Hafen
Lead Technician
Fayetteville Public Schools, Arkansas
Under Hafen’s leadership, the transportation shop has improved in cleanliness, organization and cost efficiency. He leads his team professionally while keeping student safety at the forefront of every decision. Hafen also seeks opportunities to strengthen employees’ skills through upgraded technology and external professional development. Having advanced through the organization himself, he understands how to build and lead a results-oriented team.
Gary Harlow and the Coffee County Schools Maintenance Team
Bus Mechanics and Maintenance Team
Coffee County Schools, Tennessee
Harlow and the Coffee County Schools maintenance team exemplify excellence in fleet maintenance. As the backbone of the transportation department, they combine extensive technical knowledge with proactive leadership to keep the fleet operational and exceptionally safe. Harlow leads with a safety-first mindset and an outstanding ability to diagnose complex mechanical problems, while the entire team demonstrates precision, professionalism and dedication to the district’s students.
Gary Payne
Lead Mechanic
METS/Jackson Public Schools, Michigan
Since joining the organization as lead mechanic in September 2024, Payne has significantly improved the bus garage. He leads a master mechanic and a mechanic’s assistant, providing hands-on training and mentorship. Payne is a certified Michigan motor vehicle mechanic with 45 years of experience and has held a Class A commercial driver’s license for 47 years. His extensive knowledge and leadership continue to strengthen the maintenance team.
Grayson Goble
Shop Supervisor
Columbia County School District, Georgia
Goble is a natural leader with decades of industry experience. He willingly shares his knowledge with others, whether training a new mechanic or teaching a bus driver proper safety technique. His commitment to teamwork, professional development and helping others makes him a valuable leader within the district’s transportation department.
Hamblen County Board of Education Transportation Department
Transportation Department
Hamblen County Board of Education, Tennessee
The Hamblen County Board of Education Transportation Department is recognized for its exceptional service, leadership and dedication to the district’s transportation program. Team members combine years of experience, professional credentials and extensive technical knowledge to keep buses and other vehicles safe, reliable and compliant with regulatory requirements. Their consistently positive inspection results and professionalism demonstrate their commitment to excellence.
Hoover City Schools Transportation Maintenance Team
Transportation Maintenance Team
Hoover City Schools, Alabama
Led by shop foremen Sendy Baker, a 25-year veteran, and Matt King, an electronics expert, the team maintains 164 school buses. Its dedication has ensured that Hoover City Schools has never missed a route despite mechanical challenges and driver shortages. Team members hold the required Alabama school bus driver licenses and state certifications, and they continue developing their skills through programs such as the Thomas Bus Institute.
Hyde Park Central School District Transportation Maintenance Team
Transportation Maintenance Team
Hyde Park Central School District, New York
During a challenging period of staffing shortages, the maintenance team demonstrated exceptional leadership, adaptability and commitment. In the absence of a head mechanic, two team members assumed leadership of the shop while continuing to perform hands-on maintenance work. Their efforts kept operations running smoothly and helped the district maintain a Department of Transportation inspection pass rate above 95 percent. Their team-first mindset and resilience have strengthened the entire transportation program.
James Norrell
Head Mechanic
Eustace Independent School District Transportation, Texas
Norrell joined the district midway through the 2024-2025 school year and inherited numerous fleet challenges. Despite the difficult circumstances, he brought an upbeat attitude that never wavered. Norrell has led the department with dignity and pride, consistently demonstrating technical skills, courage, and commitment. His leadership has impressed district officials and strengthened the transportation operation.
James Russell
Mechanic
Jackson-Madison County School System, Tennessee
Russell is a U.S. Army veteran and active reservist who previously served the district as a school bus driver before becoming a knowledgeable mechanic. His military service has included multiple overseas deployments. Russell’s extensive mechanical expertise and dedication make him an invaluable member of the transportation department. The asset that Russell is to his team is unmatched, and we would be greatly impacted if we didn’t have him.
Jason Leegon
Service Manager
Dickson County Schools, Tennessee
Leegon is an exceptional young leader whose work ethic, character and commitment to service have made a significant impact on the district’s transportation program. His dedication, leadership abilities, and willingness to help wherever needed have enabled him to advance quickly through the organization. In addition to managing a fleet of more than 100 vehicles, Leegon serves in the National Guard, demonstrating his commitment to both his community and his country.
Jedidiah “J” Summers
Fleet Manager
Sheridan School District 2, Colorado
As the district’s fleet manager and sole mechanic, Summers is responsible for servicing and maintaining its entire fleet. His reliability, technical expertise and dedication are essential to keeping the transportation program operating safely and efficiently. He manages fleet maintenance, vehicle readiness, safety requirements, and unexpected repairs while balancing urgent needs with long-term planning. Summers’ work directly supports student safety, operational excellence and community trust. He is a valued leader whose contributions make his district’s transportation program stronger.
Jeff Wilson
Mechanic
Olander Bus Service, Minnesota
Wilson has demonstrated exceptional dedication and technical expertise while maintaining a demanding fleet of more than 70 school buses and eight motorcoaches. His ability to keep such a large number of vehicles safe, reliable, and road-ready reflects his strong work ethic, attention to detail and mechanical skills. His contributions make him a deserving Garage Star nominee.
Jeffrey Hall
Head Mechanic
Muscatine Community School District, Iowa
Hall takes great pride in his work and ensures that every bus is maintained to the highest standards. He proactively identifies and completes needed repairs without waiting to be directed. Hall also trains fellow mechanics and promotes high-quality workmanship throughout the shop. His initiative and strong work ethic have helped the district achieve numerous perfect inspections from the state of Iowa.
Jennifer Luna
Mechanic
Cleburne Independent School District, Texas
Luna consistently demonstrates dedication and provides dependable support to every driver. She goes above and beyond to assist anyone who needs help and willingly drives a school bus route when the district is short-staffed. Her flexibility, reliability and commitment make her a valued member of the transportation department.
Jim Miller
Transportation Director/Shop Mechanic
Riverdale Community Unit School District 100, Illinois
Miller demonstrates exceptional dedication, resilience and leadership. Despite undergoing medical procedures and facing personal health challenges, he continues to approach his work with determination and a strong work ethic that inspires those around him. His ability to maintain a high level of performance while navigating these difficulties reflects his character and commitment. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Miller genuinely cares about the people he leads. He has also created a workplace environment that is both productive and enjoyable. His positive attitude and sense of humor make coming to work something we look forward to, creating a culture where people feel valued, comfortable, and engaged.
Jimmy Bink
Vice President, Parts and Service Division
Master’s Transportation, Missouri
Bink is the trusted expert leading the Parts and Service Division at Master’s Transportation, a major provider of commercial buses and shuttle vehicles. During his 15 years with the company, he has helped build a division that now includes 12 service departments and a centralized parts operation serving fleets nationwide. He also develops high-performing technicians who approach maintenance with discipline, precision and a commitment to quality. He leads by example, applying deep technical knowledge across all aspects of fleet maintenance, from battery systems to brake inspections, body integrity and seasonal preparation. His expertise has been recognized and featured in national industry publications, showcasing his ability to translate complex technical knowledge into practical guidance that fleet professionals across the country can learn from.
Joe Hand
Mechanic
Nye County School District, Nevada
Hand brings a level of professionalism developed through more than 45 years of experience in a variety of mechanical positions. He consistently treats others with courtesy and willingly shares his extensive knowledge. Always prepared to go the extra mile and do what is right, Hand approaches every assignment with the same care and dedication, regardless of its size or complexity.
Joel Boughman
Head Mechanic
Perry Local School District, Ohio
During his 25 years with Perry Local School District, Boughman has assumed responsibility for 55 school buses as well as the district’s other vehicles and lawn equipment. He completes approximately 98 percent of the maintenance work in-house, saving the district a substantial amount of money. His careful work helps the fleet pass its annual state patrol inspections with an average of only one or two minor violations.
John Click
Fleet Manager
Waco Independent School District, Texas
Click is recognized for his outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to school transportation maintenance. Throughout his service as a fleet manager, shop foreman and lead technician, he has demonstrated professionalism, extensive technical knowledge and an unwavering commitment to safety. His calm, dependable leadership sets a strong example for the entire maintenance team.
John Harsey
Maintenance Supervisor
Lexington School District, South Carolina
Known by his colleagues as “Chief,” Harsey served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years and earned the rank of chief. He now applies his leadership, expertise and strong work ethic to keeping the district’s fleet in excellent condition. A master mechanic capable of completing nearly any repair; Harsey has enabled the district to perform work in-house that previously had to be outsourced.
John Wilson
Shop Manager
Volusia County Schools, Florida
Wilson is a 17-year veteran of Volusia County Schools who brings more than 20 additional years of automotive industry experience to his role as shop manager. Throughout his career, he has earned 28 ASE certifications. A servant leader committed to excellence, Wilson mentors his team and shares his extensive technical knowledge to help employees maintain high levels of safety, quality and efficiency.
Jonathan Curzon
Regional Director of Maintenance, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Southland Transportation, a division of STA, Alberta
Curzon oversees 11 maintenance shops across three provinces and readily steps in to assist with any work that needs to be completed. Before moving to Canada in 2013, he became the youngest Honda Master Technician in the United Kingdom and earned certifications in hybrid, electric vehicle and hydrogen technologies. His experience includes five years with Honda, two years with Toyota and 11 years in school transportation. Outside of work, Curzon coaches local under-11 youth soccer teams.
Jonny Petaros
Fleet Mechanic
Nye County School District, Nevada
Petaros exemplifies professionalism, dedication and technical excellence in school transportation maintenance. During his 13 years as a professional racing mechanic, he worked on Le Mans Prototype race cars across the United States, Canada, England and Portugal. His motorsports background has brought exceptional diagnostic skills, attention to detail and performance-focused maintenance standards to the district. Beyond his technical expertise, Petaros is deeply committed to his community and to mentoring young people.
Jose Gudino
Mechanic
Campbell Union High School District, California
Gudino, also known as JR, is one of the most dependable and positive members of the transportation department. As the district’s primary mechanic, he maintains a fleet of 57 vehicles, including buses, vans and carts, ensuring they remain safe, operational and ready to serve students. He consistently goes above and beyond to assist the transportation team and willingly helps with whatever is needed.
Josh Garland
Head Mechanic
Sullivan County Schools/Central Buses Inc., Tennessee
Garland quickly stepped into a leadership position and embraced its responsibilities wholeheartedly. A dependable team player and recruiter, he willingly assists others and expresses genuine appreciation for those around him. During demanding situations when every minute matters, Garland works late when necessary to ensure the buses are safe and ready for the following morning.
Julius Fielder
Mechanic
Imperial Unified School District, California:
Fielder is an exceptional mechanic whose experience and extensive knowledge give drivers confidence whenever they operate a district vehicle. He leads by example, motivates his team and consistently brings a positive attitude to work. His contagious laugh and upbeat presence provide an encouraging start to the day. Fielder also takes pride in completing work promptly and never postpones a task that can be accomplished immediately. He’s not only highly skilled, but also someone who genuinely elevates the entire team.
Keith Fleming
Mechanic
Mount Laurel Township Schools, New Jersey
Fleming is an essential member of the district’s transportation team. In addition to keeping Mount Laurel Township Schools’ buses safe and road-ready, he transports students when the operation is short-staffed. Fleming is knowledgeable, dependable and always willing to help, often staying late to ensure buses are repaired and ready for service the following morning.
Keith Taylor
Mechanic
Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District, California
Taylor repeatedly goes beyond his regular responsibilities, whether serving as the district’s only available mechanic or assisting charter companies transporting students on field trips. When needed, he willingly works from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. His extensive knowledge of buses and other vehicles, combined with his willingness to teach others, makes him a valuable member of the transportation team.
Kevin Bailey
Fleet Mechanic
Fairborn City Schools, Ohio
Bailey’s exceptional work ethic helps keep the district’s buses, maintenance vehicles, vans and other equipment in excellent operating conditions. During every preventive maintenance inspection, he thoroughly examines the vehicle and completes all necessary repairs, including problems beyond the standard inspection checklist. Bailey also brings extensive training and nearly 20 years of experience as a Ford Master Technician.
Kevin Suppes
Mechanic
Central School District 13J, Oregon
Suppes is a reliable and hardworking mechanic who consistently arrives on time with a friendly attitude. He is always willing to go the extra mile to support the district and keep its vehicles operating safely. His dependability, positive approach, and commitment to helping others have earned him high praise from his colleagues.
Kyle Lawrence and the Oakdale Joint Unified School District Maintenance Team
Lead Mechanic and Maintenance Team
Oakdale Joint Unified School District, California
Lawrence leads mechanics Jack Tumelson and Josh Towe in keeping the district’s fleet safe, reliable and ready to transport students. He has shared his extensive knowledge with both technicians, helping them develop their skills and grow professionally. Together, the team goes above and beyond to complete repairs promptly and ensure buses remain available for daily service.
Latonya Gleaton
Maintenance Supervisor
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina
Gleaton’s career reflects dedication, resilience and a deep commitment to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. A proud graduate of the district, she knew at age 5 that she wanted to become a school bus driver, an aspiration she fulfilled on Jan. 7, 2002. Her career path demonstrates initiative and determination. After being encouraged to explore mechanics, she transitioned into a Service Truck Operator role, quickly expanding her skills by fueling buses, replacing tires and conducting inspections. She advanced to Technician I, becoming one of the first at that level to earn an NC School Bus Inspection Certificate and later to Technician II, where she mastered comprehensive maintenance responsibilities. From her first day, Gleaton demonstrated unwavering reliability, a strong work ethic and genuine care for the students she served.
Lee County School District Transportation Team
Transportation Team
Lee County School District, Florida
The Lee County transportation team has consistently remained under budget while modernizing operations and improving efficiency. The department introduced electronic work orders and a real-time inventory system, transitioning the shop into the digital age. Its strong business practices have generated funding and supported long-term sustainability. The team also partners with local technical schools, serving as a training site and providing students with hands-on experience and entry-level employment opportunities.
Liam O’Donnell
Shop Foreman
Montgomery Bus Lines, Ontario
O’Donnell oversees 85 vehicles at Montgomery Bus Lines in Wingham, Ontario. During his three years with the company, he has consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and a willingness to assist wherever needed. His previous experience in the motorcoach industry provided him with strong diagnostic skills and a dependable work ethic. O’Donnell also mentors younger technicians and brings an encouraging, upbeat presence to every shop he supports. In his spare time, he enjoys golf and spending time with his wife and son.
Mark Seal
Garage Foreman
Loudoun County Public Schools, Virginia
Seal is an indispensable member of the Loudoun County Public Schools transportation department. As garage foreman, he does more than manage the shop; he fosters a culture of excellence and technical precision. His hands-on leadership balances significant responsibility with approachable mentorship, elevating the performance of the entire maintenance team. Seal has also been instrumental in ensuring the fleet meets rigorous safety standards while reducing vehicle downtime.
Mark Quiron
Technician III
First Student, Texas
As a key member of First Student’s maintenance-as-a-service contract team in Fort Worth, Quiron plays an essential role in ensuring fleet reliability and operational success. He is pursuing ASE World Class Technician status and completing his T-Series recertifications, with only his body certification remaining. His commitment to continuous improvement complements his versatility and technical expertise, earning him a reputation as someone who can repair nearly any piece of equipment placed before him.
Matthew Zdaniecki
Shop Foreman
Howell, New Jersey
Zdaniecki demonstrates outstanding mechanical skills, leadership skills and dedication to excellence. His extensive knowledge of mechanical systems is matched by a strong commitment to safety, efficiency and high-quality workmanship. His ability to diagnose complex problems quickly and implement effective solutions has significantly improved operations. Whether performing routine maintenance or responding to unexpected challenges, Zdaniecki approaches every task with professionalism and precision.
Mauricio Franco
Shop Manager
San Angelo Independent School District, Texas
Franco is an outstanding mechanic who uses his years of experience to return buses to service, including Van Hool and Freightliner charter vehicles. Well-liked by everyone he encounters, he offers heartfelt encouragement shaped by the hardships he has overcome. When severe flooding struck the community on July 4, 2025, Franco assisted others in need even though his own home had also been flooded.
Max Mlambo
Mechanic
Hempfield/Student Transportation of America, Pennsylvania
Mlambo brings a positive attitude, a warm smile and a sense of humor to the workplace each day. He consistently goes beyond his regular mechanical responsibilities by driving morning and afternoon routes, assisting with office needs and even clearing snow so commercial driver’s license testing can continue during the winter. His flexibility and willingness to help make him a valued member of the Hempfield team.
Michael Collison
Assistant Director of Maintenance
Beacon Mobility, New York
Collison demonstrates exceptional leadership, integrity and a strong commitment to operational excellence at Beacon Mobility. He prioritizes people while managing operations efficiently and leads maintenance teams with a clear focus on safety, reliability and accountability. His leadership helps ensure the fleet remains well-maintained and compliant, providing passengers with safe and dependable transportation.
Mike McNeil
Area Fleet Maintenance Manager
Student Transportation of Canada, Ontario
McNeil oversees approximately 1,500 buses and works with technicians across 14 locations. He began his career as a truck and coach technician apprentice at Elgie Bus Lines in 2007 and became a licensed mechanic at the company’s London, Ontario, facility in 2010. After serving as a lead hand in Thamesford, he returned to London as shop foreman for the London and Embro locations before advancing to area fleet maintenance manager. McNeil is a very positive person and always seems to have the answer or knows how to get the answer to the problem.
Moun Rang
Mechanic II
Flagler County School District, Fleet Services Division, Florida
Rang is an exceptional professional and a valuable member of the district’s Fleet Services Division. He consistently demonstrates outstanding skill, dedication and integrity. As a Department of Education school bus safety inspector and certified diesel mechanic, Rang brings advanced technical expertise and a deep commitment to safety that directly supports the well-being of students and employees throughout the district.
Nicholas Haga
Mechanic
Indian Valley Local Schools, Ohio
Haga is an outstanding leader and innovator within the district’s transportation department, bringing valuable expertise from his previous work with FedEx and a local International dealership. By prioritizing in-house repairs, he has reportedly saved the district more than $100,000 while improving turnaround times and fleet reliability. Haga keeps buses safe, compliant and ready for service while also covering routes, trips and other operational needs when necessary.
Nick Fenstermaker
Bus Mechanic
Lincoln County R-III School District, Missouri
Fenstermaker is an important member of the Lincoln County R-III transportation department who works diligently to keep the district’s buses safe, dependable and operating efficiently. His positive attitude, strong work ethics and excellent mechanical skills distinguish him from his peers. Fenstermaker has held ASE certifications and remains current on emerging bus technology, repair methods and safety requirements.
Octavio Aguilar
Lead Mechanic
Centralia School District, California
During his three years as lead mechanic, Aguilar’s knowledge and experience have improved the district’s inspection and maintenance practices. He communicates effectively with drivers and dispatchers while vehicles are being serviced and remains attentive to the department’s needs. Aguilar also supports driver training and teaches basic mechanical concepts to drivers who are interested in learning more about their vehicles.
Perry “Ted” Sabanal
Mechanic
North Mason School District, Washington
With more than 20 years of district service, Sabanal is a cornerstone of the transportation team. As one of only two mechanics responsible for nearly 50 vehicles, he often works independently and diagnoses problems with confidence and precision. The quality of his repairs is reflected in the district’s minimal road calls and consistently outstanding results during Washington State Patrol surprise and annual inspections. Sabanal is known for his ability to “figure it out” in the field, safely returning buses to service with practical, effective solutions. He also plays a key role in mentoring, teaching both old-school fundamentals and modern diagnostics while continuing to grow his own skills with new technology.
Peter Dawson
Shop Foreman
Elliott Coach Lines, Guelph, Ontario
During his 19 years of service, Dawson has demonstrated exceptional commitment, technical skills and reliability. As the only mechanic responsible for maintaining a fleet of 52 vehicles, he manages a demanding workload with professionalism and care. His proactive maintenance practices and attention to detail have produced outstanding results: The fleet has not experienced a single breakdown requiring a service call this year, despite the age of many of its vehicles.
Price Stewart
Shop Foreman
Cherry Creek Schools, Colorado
Stewart is an outstanding, hands-on foreman who leads the district’s fleet safety efforts and treats his team like family. During his more than 12 years with the district, he has supported other departments by driving when needed and serving as a state examiner for new drivers. Stewart consistently leads by example and willingly helps wherever his expertise is needed.
Randall Briggs
Fleet Supervisor
Falcon School District 49, Colorado
Briggs demonstrates strong leadership by working closely with technicians and teaching proper maintenance procedures. His guidance, collaboration and commitment to quality help strengthen the district’s fleet operation.
Ricky Hitchcock
Service Manager
Marshall County Schools, Tennessee
After retiring, Hitchcock began his second career with Marshall County Schools in July 2007. Since then, he has demonstrated unmatched dedication, humility and leadership in student transportation. His willingness to learn and improve is second to none. Hitchcock’s technical expertise, leadership and reliability help keep the district’s fleet of over 50 school buses safe and operational. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the multiple Zero-Defect Awards he has earned throughout his career from the Tennessee DOS Pupil Transportation Division. In addition to his maintenance responsibilities, Hitchcock willingly drives a bus when needed and trains new school bus drivers, always serving wherever help is required.
Robert Hill
Head Mechanic/Supervisor
North Warren Central School District, New York
Hill began serving North Warren at age 16 as an after-school custodian and became a full-time employee after graduation. He later moved to the bus garage as a mechanic and school bus driver before advancing to supervisor. During his 48 years with the district, Hill has developed the ability to repair nearly anything, including responding to roadside breakdowns when buses require immediate assistance.
Robert Kenyon
Shop Foreman
Southland Okotoks, Alberta
Kenyon goes above and beyond to assist locations in the U.S. as a member of the Cetaris rollout team. He oversees two shops serving an area approximately the size of Delaware. Under his leadership, the shops consistently maintain 100-percent preventive maintenance compliance and a 100-percent Department of Transportation inspection pass rate. Kenyon is also always willing to assist anyone who contacts him for support.
Sammy Jones
Shop Foreman
Whitfield County Schools, Georgia
Jones demonstrates outstanding dedication and leadership within the Whitfield County Schools transportation department. He supports his community by participating in elementary school career days and positively representing the district’s transportation program. His credentials and years of diesel mechanic experience provide valuable technical expertise to the fleet operation. Jones also participates in ongoing training to remain current on transportation standards and industry best practices.
Sergio Alvarez
Lead Technician
Summit School Services, Colorado
Alvarez is a top-performing technician who consistently exceeds the company’s maintenance performance goals and demonstrates strong leadership. A U.S. Army veteran, he brings discipline, integrity and a service-first mindset to his role, making a meaningful impact on the organization and the communities it serves. Alvarez is also certified by the Colorado Department of Education as a school bus inspector.
Shane Brown
Service Manager
First Student, Mississippi
Since Brown joined Location 12728 in 2019, its fleet maintenance department has developed into a high-performing operation within First Student. His can-do attitude inspires technicians, drivers and school district partners throughout the location. His personal motto, “We’ll figure it out,” reflects the problem-solving mindset and commitment to excellence that makes him a valued member of the team.
Stephen Conwell
Fleet Supervisor
Franklin Township Community School Corporation, Indiana
Conwell embodies the qualities of a Garage Star through his exceptional leadership, reliability and commitment to both people and performance. He leads an outstanding team of mechanics and promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability and pride. Under his leadership, the fleet achieves excellent pass rates during Indiana State Police inspections, reflecting his technical expertise and ability to inspire excellence in others.
Steve Bauserman
Crew Chief
Prince William County Public Schools, Virginia
Bauserman serves as crew chief at an outlying shop responsible for approximately 150 buses. The location also houses a fleetwide bus-washing facility that serves more than 900 vehicles. He diligently supports the district’s inspection program, helps drivers return to the road, and communicate effectively with supervisors and employees. Bauserman also ensures that the shop and bus-washing equipment remain functional and ready for service.
Tim Hicks
Transportation Fleet Manager
Jerome School District, Idaho
Hicks is a highly respected leader in Idaho student transportation who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and service. He began as a maintenance manager for a school bus contractor, building a strong technical foundation before serving as an Idaho student transportation specialist focused on statewide support and compliance. As Jerome School District’s fleet manager, Hicks continues to improve maintenance standards and operational efficiency.
Timothy Girard
Shop Foreman
Student Transit-Eau Claire Inc., Wisconsin
For 23 years, Girard has been the backbone of the maintenance shop, leading by example and setting a high standard for dedication and work ethic. His extensive knowledge and experience make him an invaluable resource for every member of the team. Regardless of the challenge, Girard is always prepared to offer a solution or helpful guidance, ensuring operations continue safely and efficiently.
Timothy Vose
Maintenance Supervisor
Summit School Services, Illinois
Vose has become an invaluable asset to the organization. He has successfully guided his location through significant organizational changes while maintaining a consistently positive attitude. Since joining the operation, he has strengthened collaboration between the maintenance and operations departments. Vose also mentors his employees, helping build a stronger and more resilient team, while bringing exceptional attention to inventory management and company procedures.
Waynesville R-VI School District Maintenance Team
Maintenance Team
Waynesville R-VI School District, Missouri
The district’s mechanics care deeply about the fleet, its students and their safety. Their dedication has helped Waynesville maintain an excellent fleet for many years. Team members work closely with drivers and aides, respond to their needs, and ensure vehicles remain safe and dependable. Their collaboration and commitment make them an exceptional maintenance team.
Will Leach
Maintenance Supervisor
Summit School Services, Alaska
Under Leach’s leadership, the Fairbanks maintenance location consistently demonstrates outstanding performance, innovation and operational excellence. The team meets important performance goals while maintaining high standards of safety and quality. A rotating weekly cleaning schedule keeps the shop organized and supports a safe, efficient working environment. Leach also communicates frequently with the operations team to ensure it has the vehicles and resources needed to meet customer requirements promptly.
Zack Jones
Service Manager
Robertson County Schools, Tennessee
Jones began his student transportation career as a mechanic in 2016. Through hard work, leadership and dedication, he advanced to service manager in 2022 following the retirement of his predecessor. A graduate of Nashville Auto Diesel College, Jones continually invests in his professional development. He set a strong example for his team by independently pursuing and earning his ASE Master School Bus Technician certification. Jones currently oversees the maintenance and operation of 118 school buses and a white fleet of 60 vehicles. He also obtained his CDL to assist with route coverage when needed. He consistently brings innovative ideas to improve efficiency and service within the transportation program.
The post 2026 Garage Stars: Celebrating Excellence in Fleet Maintenance appeared first on School Transportation News.
A longtime mechanic was killed after the school bus he was repairing rolled and crushed him inside a Westmoreland County bus garage, reported CBS News.
According to the news report, Barry Barker was working on a school bus at the Lodestar Bus Lines garage in New Florence Borough when the incident occurred July 2 at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said emergency responders were dispatched around 9:35 a.m. after an employee reported the unresponsive mechanic inside the garage.
“An employee at a bus garage … said they had a mechanic that was lying inside the garage, that [he] was unresponsive, and it appears he may have had an incident where a bus drove over him,” Limani said.
Investigators reportedly said Barker had been repairing a school bus that was experiencing brake problems. Police located cutting tools near Barker that appeared to have been used during the repair, though investigators have not yet determined exactly what caused the bus to begin moving.
The bus reportedly rolled over Barker before slowly traveling across 13th Street and coming to rest in a nearby yard. Authorities said the incident appears to have been accidental.
“It just seems like a horrific tragedy and a pure accident,” Limani said via the article. “From my understanding, he has been a mechanic for quite a long time, and he has been at that garage for an extended period of time.” He added that investigators currently have no reason to believe foul play or any criminal activity was involved.
The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office identified Barker and said the cause and manner of death remain pending following an autopsy and toxicology testing. State police continue to investigate how the school bus began moving while Barker was working underneath it.
Related: Florida School District Begins School Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
Related: 10 Taken to Hospital After School Bus, Car Crash in New York
Related: Distracted Driving Maryland Man Convicted in Fatal Crash with School Bus
Related: School Bus Driver Charged with Hit-and-Run Death of Brooklyn Girl
The post Mechanic Killed After School Bus Crushes Him in Pennsylvania Garage appeared first on School Transportation News.
Just like traditional gas-powered vehicles, a hybrid car battery can be jump started when the battery is discharged. Jump-starting your hybrid shouldn’t stray too far from the process of their gas engine counterpart, though the same amount of caution should be taken.
Please note your jumper cable connectors should not be touching unless they are fully disconnected.
While it may be difficult to narrow down the exact cause of your hybrid battery dying, there are a few main culprits that tend to pop up:
If you’re having constant issues with your Toyota hybrid battery, schedule a service appointment with us at our Toyota service center in Madison. If you have any questions or need more information about caring for your hybrid car battery, contact us online at Smart Toyota.
Founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer, Wisconsin’s Largest Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume new Toyota dealers. Located in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume.
The post How to Jump-Start Your Hybrid appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.
Vehicle winterization – whether this will be your first winter in Wisconsin, or you’re born and raised in cheese-country, it’s something every Wisconsinite must prepare for. The morning temperatures are dipping below freezing, highs are lucky to break freezing, accumulating snow will soon be piling up, but have you winterized your vehicle? Thankfully, most of us only need to brave these elements for brief periods at a time, usually as long as it takes to go from a heated building to one’s vehicle and back into another heated sanctuary. But if the freezing temps, gusty winds, and icy snow in the Madison area are hard on you for the few moments you’re out, think about the brutal beating your car takes.
Your vehicle may have been sitting out for hours. The last thing you want to do is trudge over the frozen landscape, reach your vehicle, turn the key in the ignition, and – oh no! – all you hear is a hideous series of click-click-clicks, groans, and exhausted whirs. The engine isn’t turning over. Why didn’t you winterize your ride!?
Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors in Madison, says there’s no time like the present to start getting your vehicle in shape for the unpredictable winter season. He says every year he is asked by multiple people what the most important factors are when preparing a vehicle for the challenges winter can pose. And with the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a snowy winter with colder than normal temperatures, it is probably a good idea to take note of the winterization check list he shares with others.
“The top item on any vehicle winterization list is fairly obvious,” he says. “It’s having a quality, fully charged, and undamaged BATTERY.”
Roman says it takes more power to start a car in the winter because battery power decreases as the temperature drops. If your battery is already having problems, your risk of breaking down or becoming stranded increases. It is recommended to have a battery with at least the vehicle manufacturers CCA rating, most hybrids will have 12 volt batteries under 400 CCA which are fine for that application
The second and third items on Roman’s list are TIRES and BRAKES. Thankfully the cold doesn’t necessarily harm these components, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure they are in the best condition to handle the hazards of winter driving. He says most drivers don’t think about their tires until they have to swerve or brake suddenly – often with serious consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about nine percent of vehicle crashes are tire-related and could be prevented with proper tire maintenance.
“All-season tires are what I recommend to most drivers,” says Roman. “They’re great for people with short commutes and little reason to veer far from the beaten path.” According to Roman, all-season tires are also very convenient, as they don’t need to be swapped out with any other set of tires seasonally.
“When people need to commute to and from work from a rural area, I almost always say they should go with snow tires,” says Roman. “They can swap out with their regular tires in early November or so. And having two sets of tires puts less wear and tear on both pairs, so you can have them for quite a long while.”
Shop for tires for your for your vehicle.
The fourth item on Roman’s list is WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES. He says that there are blades specifically made for winter driving, and they could really be a lifesaver.
“You really never know what winter is going to throw at you, so it’s best to be prepared,” he says. “It could be freezing rain, wintery mix, wet snow, or the car in front of you splashing your windshield with the dirty, salty slush on the road. Windshields really take a beating in the winter.”
The amount of debris that could potentially block your view needs to be cleared for you to be able to navigate the winter roads safely. Roman says he constantly hears about harrowing journeys drivers make with bad wipers that just smear the slush around instead of clearing it off the windshield. Or there are the wipers that don’t make contact with the windshield at all! These wipers need to be replaced for your safety and for the safety of others.
“Wiper blades are inexpensive, and many people can install them themselves,” he says. “So please check yours before the snow flies. The last thing you want to do is drive blind.”
Roman says there are a few other items that you might want to have a professional check for you before winter is in full swing:
• The cooling system – Your automotive service technician can tell you what antifreeze should be used and the appropriate coolant-to-water ratio to avoid potential freezing.
• Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires and cables – While they can go bad at any time, if they do in the winter, you could be stuck in the cold for an unfortunately long period.
“These areas might seem small compared to the engine or fuel intake system, but without the small things aiding the large items, your vehicle will not function properly,” he says.
Aside from vehicle winterization, Roman says for safety reasons all motorists should have a cell phone and a phone charger handy, and drivers shouldn’t let their gas go much below a half tank in the wintertime, either. Plus he recommends keeping a worst-case-scenario-kit in your vehicle, filled with the following items:
• A blanket
• Several heavy duty garbage bags: Can be a makeshift rain coat; keep your clothing off the wet ground when changing a tire, or to collect wet items.
• A shovel
• Kitty Litter – which can help aid in traction
• Jumper cables or a battery-powered portable booster
• Flashlight or emergency light
• First aid kit
• Food
• Jack and spare tire: Know how to use them — practice if necessary.
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information, check out their history.
The post Tips & Advice For Winterizing Your Car, Truck, Or SUV In Wisconsin. appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.
Spring time in Wisconsin is like when a bear comes out of hibernation. Daytime temperatures are pushing 50 degrees, Wisconsinites are sporting shorts and short sleeve shirts, but when the winter frost leaves our roadways we are left with those pesky “potholes” which can cause damage to our vehicle’s alignment. The constant freezing and unfreezing of water on roadways can wreak havoc, forming supersize potholes destroying the underside of your vehicle. The automotive specialists at Smart Motors service department have the following advice to help prevent and notice pothole-related damage.
Visible damage is the easiest to detect, but may not be the only indication your vehicle needs some attention. One obvious sign of tire damage is when a tire ‘bulges’; which occurs when the steel/fiber ply belt in the sidewall of a tire breaks due to a heavy impact. Luis Roman, Assistant Service Manager at Smart Motors Service Center, says even if your tires don’t have bulges does not necessarily mean you are free from the damage of potholes.
If your vehicle pulls to one side, or your steering wheel is visibly off center, Roman suggests being on the safe side and schedule an appointment with a reputable automotive service center and getting an assessment. This way, the vehicle’s alignment and other signs of damage can be analyzed and fixed before they become a major problem. Repair costs can vary greatly depending on the extent of damaged parts; from a $200 strut to several thousand dollars for an entire suspension system and cradle.
Roman also offers these tips to help protect vehicles against the jarring experience of a pothole encounter:
• Maintain full air pressure in all tires to provide as much cushion as possible between the pothole and the rim of the tire. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the correct pressure.
• Watch for potholes by leaving plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• If a pothole cannot be avoided, slow down BEFORE hitting the pothole. Hitting a pothole at high speed increases the chance of damage to tires, wheels, shocks, struts or springs.
• When driving over a pothole-filled road, hold the steering wheel firmly to avoid losing control.
• Do NOT brake when directly over a pothole. Applying the brakes causes the car’s weight to shift to the front of the wheel and can increase damage from the impact.
• Beware of water that may be concealing a deep pothole.
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, is one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers and is Wisconsin’s largest Toyota Certified Used dealer. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. For more information visit their history page.
The post When Roads Go To Pot… Holes appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.
Is it worth it, really? Should I wash my vehicle, or just wait for spring? Under normal circumstances most vehicle owners love their car. It’s like an old friend, cheerfully waiting to take you where you need to go. But as the winter months in Wisconsin drag on, you find your feelings changing toward your tried and true buddy. To wash or not to wash; now that’s the question. What was once a summer time escape from reality, suddenly becomes a chore. Come February and March, if you have not washed your vehicle, it becomes salt-covered, sludgy, dishwater-hued beast that is almost indecipherable from most of the other vehicles on the road. And the worst part is you don’t know what you should do about it.
Part of you thinks you should probably wash the poor thing, but at the same time, it’s Wisconsin – it’s going to snow again, plus the streets are just going to be salted again. And on those rare breaks when the temperatures climb into the 40s, everyone and their uncle are in line to run their vehicles through the car wash. Do you just let it go?
Jason Vasen, Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors, says you should absolutely not let it go.
“Salt may keep the streets safe to drive on, but it’s a terrible thing to have on your car for extended periods of time,” Vasen says. “Salt leads to oxidation and rust. It can take years off the life expectancy of your vehicle.”
Vasen says Wisconsinites ideally should wash their cars, trucks and SUVs about once every two weeks even in the dead of winter though only wash when outdoor temperatures are in the upper 30’s or in the 40’s to ensure doors and windows won’t freeze. If you’re fortunate to have a heated or well insulated garage, you could push this to temps a little lower, but it’s always a good idea to dry off your vehicle as well. Pop the hood, open the doors, including hatch/truck and dry them off.
“You want to make sure it’s a quality wash, too,” he says. “Just washing the pretty parts may save your paint job for a few years, but it’s incredibly important to make sure salt and slush are removed from the wheel wells and undercarriage.” A touchless car wash with an underbody high pressure spray option/cycle is what you’ll want to look for to help remove the salt, sand and grim from those hard to reach spots.
When salt builds up on the wheel wells and undercarriage, it attacks the vehicle’s braking system and suspension, both of which could lead to dangerous situations on the roads. They are both expensive to repair, too, so making sure they are salt-free could save you money down the line.
“Drivers can also get ahead of the game through routine maintenance,” Vasen says. “Quality mechanics will check for any issues and lubricate or use corrosion inhibitors on parts as needed for the winter months.” And don’t forget wiper blades. They are an inexpensive way to ensure clear vision.
Where one parks during the winter can also play a role in how much damage is or isn’t done to a vehicle because of slushy and salty conditions. Ironically, vehicles parked outside for the duration typically experience less body damage than those that are garage kept. This is because the freezing temperatures do not allow the slush to melt, so it slows down the overall corrosiveness of the salt.
“Bottom line; regardless of whether you store your vehicle inside or outside, it really is worth the time, effort and money to make every attempt to keep it clean,” Vasen says.
Jason Vasen is a Master Diagnostic Technician at Smart Motors – Madison, WI, and was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. See their history page for more details.
The post Winter. Should You Wash Your Vehicle or Not? appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.
Icy roads, plows shooting up clouds of snow and blinding light bouncing off packed snow cause all sorts of problems for Wisconsin’s drivers, but one of winter’s worst effects come before people even hit the road—winter causes discharged car batteries and vehicle jumpstarting presents a fair share of issues.
Car batteries often become discharged in the winter because the cold affects the vehicle in two ways;
While these traits occur independently of each other, they combine and make it harder for vehicles to start, effectively draining a battery down. A discharged battery can oftentimes be recharged and work fine, but immediate action is necessary as a discharged battery could freeze making it unable to be recharged, thus possibly ruining the battery. Charged batteries will not freeze. There are warning signs your battery may be failing.
Discharged batteries can occur in both traditional cars as well as more modern hybrid vehicles. And while many people might know how to jump start a traditional car, the precautions necessary for either jump starting or receiving a jump from a hybrid are slightly different, yet hybrid owners might not even realize this.
“The hybrid is a fundamentally different design and has batteries located in different spots and takes on power differently,” says Smart Motors Master Diagnostic Technician Jason Vasen. “Hybrids with the 12 volt battery inside the passenger compartment like the Prius use an AGM battery which uses absorbed glass mats so there is no “loose” liquid to spray. Some hybrids use conventional 12 volt batteries located outside the passenger compartment which do carry the concern of potential explosion.”
How can one be safe when jump starting a hybrid? Smart Motors’ Jason Vasen put together the following checklists for how to keep vehicles safe and fully powered even through the worst of winter’s fury.
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships. Smart Motors is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer, and is located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only dealership to have ever earned the coveted President’s Cabinet Award from Toyota Motor Sales. This award is only given to the top 12 dealerships nationwide for superior customer service & sales volume. To learn more about Smart Motors, visit their dealership history page.
The post Safely Jumpstarting Your Vehicle. appeared first on Smart Toyota Blog.
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