The National School Bus Inspection Training commenced Friday with classroom instruction and finished Saturday with hands-on inspections and manufacturer training.

Instructors came from the South Carolina Department of Education, Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township in Indiana, Paulding County School District in Georgia, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, and Clean Cities Long Beach in California.

Two-dozen class participants were bused Saturday morning to nearby Cabarrus County Schools, where they participated in the hands-on training, including recognizing defects on school buses that were situated throughout modernized, technologically advanced facility, dubbed locally as the “Garage Mahal.”

OEM training overview was provided by ROUSH CleanTech and Blue Bird on propane autogas systems, IC Bus on diesel emission systems, and Thomas Built Buses on high-voltage electric school buses.

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Photos by Mike Bullman and Sandy Dillman.

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It was not long ago that school bus mechanics relied solely on a set of Snap-On or Craftsman tools complemented by a dwell meter, vacuum gauge, timing light, tachometer, torque wrench, volt/amp/ohm meter, feeler gauges, inside and outside micrometers, sledgehammer and pry bar, to diagnosis and repair school buses. Mechanical knowledge was gained from high school auto mechanics classes, industrial arts and working alongside seasoned experienced mechanics with the job being performed well on the vehicles of that era.

School bus maintenance has processes and procedures that include periodic checks, preventive maintenance cycles (PM), state regulatory inspections, steering and suspension work, brake replacement, accident and vandalism repair, driver-reported concerns (driver defects), tire repair, and fleet appearance work. These will always remain part of the routine work performed by technicians. These job tasks will never be eliminated by autonomous technology. They, however, can be supported by it in using diagnostic, scheduling and monitoring software with a system that may predict events, identify failures, record events, and schedule repairs.

The past few decades have seen many changes to school buses, leading to a necessary change or growth in the numerous skills required to be a school bus technician.

The ongoing development and introduction of numerous OEM and aftermarket electronic management and diagnostic systems on board the school bus require that the technician is capable of demonstrating a intimate knowledge of those system diagnostics and repair techniques, including numerous proprietary information technologies that are related to these new equipment operational innovations. At the same time, the technician needs to continue with applying established legacy maintenance techniques on 1- to 15-year-old diesel, gasoline and propane engines, transmissions and chassis components of their fleet.

Adding to the evolving skill set necessary for today’s technician is the complexity of transitioning over time to a battery-electric powertrain or electric motor assisted
power systems, and the facility infrastructure and equipment necessary to support them. School bus technicians must perform a wide range of tasks safely, all while trying to stay within operating budget parameters.

The complexity of diagnostic equipment and system fault codes and the semi-autonomous on-board power plant management systems operating today’s numerous Type A, B, C, D and other non-school bus equipment related to the school district or company, warrants a title change and job description from school bus mechanic to that of school bus technician.

To excel in the field of qualified school bus technicians, individuals ideally would possess a combination of technical knowledge, practical skills and formal training. Key qualifications preferably include a formal journeyman training program specific to the school bus chassis maintenance process, a postsecondary training program at a technical school or community college and industry training certification endorsed by OEM’s. Add to these ongoing a training development program supported by their employer. Also, demonstrated skill from experience gained working alongside experienced technicians over time is invaluable.

These programs typically include coursework in diesel and alternative fueled engine technology, electronics, and hands-on training in diagnostic and repair techniques. I also strongly recommend certifications from recognized organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (school bus/medium truck specific), which can enhance job knowledge, especially as the industry moves toward electrification.

The future of medium truck and bus technician jobs looks promising, with steady demand projected across various industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for technicians to grow by 3 percent from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average growth rate for all occupations. Innovations in technology, increased emphasis on environmental sustainability, and a mix of alternative fueled vehicles and legacy diesel school buses vehicles will ensure a consistent need for skilled technicians. While the role of school bus technician comes with its share of challenges, the opportunities for growth, advancement and job security make it an attractive career choice for those with the right skills and training.

As technology continues to evolve, school bus technicians will remain at the forefront of ensuring the safety, efficiency and reliability of the school transportation sector numerous school bus types.

Editor’s Note: As reprinted in the February 2025 issue of School Transportation News.

Robert Pudlewski is STN’s technical editor and a member of the National School Transportation Association Hall of Fame in recognition of his 40-plus-year career as a school bus maintenance, technology and procurement expert.

Related: Training School Bus Technicians for an Electric Fleet
Related: Florida School District Begins School Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
Related: Contractor Helps School Bus Maintenance Operations Cut Costs, Not Corners
Related: (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution

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A webinar demonstrated the efficiency benefits of partnering with a national contractor for school bus maintenance.

“Fleet maintenance is evolving, plain and simple,” stated Edmund Dixon, a principal consultant for the First Consulting division of Thursday’s webinar sponsor First Student. “Do you have the latest and greatest technology in your shop?”

Todd Hawkins, senior vice president of maintenance for First Student, reviewed how costs and types of repairs coincide and their effect on shop environment, technician stress and bus uptime. Scheduled, preventative and predictive maintenance, he said, helps avoid things like road calls, misdiagnoses and neglected repairs.

Jackson Diodoardo, a principal consultant for First Student, reviewed the case of a 200-vehicle fleet operated for St. Landry Parish School Board in Louisiana. The district had what Diodoardo referred to as extreme driver and technician shortages, burdensome maintenance costs and budgetary constraints.

A tiered fleet leasing plan was implemented, starting with 15 buses and growing to 30. First Services by First Student staffed the shop with its own technicians and provided training, which reduced turnover rates.

Diodoardo concluded that the district is now enjoying a reliable fleet with new technology and reduced maintenance costs.

How It’s Done

Diodoardo reviewed First Student’s size and scale across 44 U.S. states and eight Canadian provinces, while Hawkins shared the expertise and training that its technicians undergo to receive ASE Certifications as well as the company-wide policies that ensure that KPI and efficiency standards are met.

“We’re trying to turn unscheduled events to scheduled, which will save time,” Hawkins declared. “Accurate diagnosis and repair saves money.”

Hawkins reviewed the company’s asset management system, Hexagon, and revealed how First Services teaches techs to “fix something that’s not broken” by effectively leveraging predictive analytics.

“It’s not hard to buy a program and get predictions, but it’s hard to make it effective,” he noted.

Dixon shared that on-demand support is available through the Technical Assistance Center, where district staff can seek insights from certified technicians to reduce repair time and unnecessary parts usage.

“Everything we do is to provide efficiency in our maintenance operations and service with the resources we have,” he added.

Hawkins reviewed stats from the past 10 years to demonstrate how partnering with First Services can reduce maintenance costs and improve customer satisfaction.

First Services offers maintenance consulting, maintenance as a service, and fleet as a service. The latter, Dixon noted, allows that a school district to retain full control of the fleet and drivers, resulting in greater efficiency and uptime.

Hawkins and Dixon also reviewed support for technicians, which includes good wages, higher training opportunities and technology usage—the latter being popular with younger technicians.

“Paying more for a good tech saves you money in the long run,” Hawkins declared.

He encouraged districts to ensure their shops and managers are satisfactory since sending out for help costs more.

Related: Oregon School District Maintenance Internship Program Yields Success
Related: (STN Podcast E222) Tools to Get the Job Done: Georgia Garage Star Talks Maintenance Evolution
Related: Updated: Electric School Bus Maintenance Safety to Take Center Stage at STN EXPOs
Related: A New Age Dawns for School Bus Maintenance Training

“It really comes down to what each specific district needs and how those needs can be met, and we can partner with you to figure that out,” Dixon said. First Services will conduct audits and consultations and can be involved with any size district to the degree that the district desires, he confirmed.

Dixon and Hawkins added First Student’s scale and experience leads to providing the insights, experience and buying power that a standalone district would lack.

“Our whole life is efficiency because efficiency drives customer satisfaction. The better we do it, the cheaper it is and the happier the customer is,” Hawkins quipped. “We’re showing people what good looks like.”

Hawkins said that when First Services assumes school bus maintenance for a location, consultants work with unions and keep the existing technicians, who they continue to train. He confirmed that the turnover rate is low.

In answer to an attendee question, Hawkins confirmed First Services averages a 94-95 percent bus in-service rate.

Watch the webinar on-demand. 

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Safety takes the front page in this month’s issue. Read articles about how student transporters are furthering student safety through emergency drills, implementation of technology that combats illegal passing, preparing technicians with necessary skills as well as governmental changes that could impact the industry.

Check out the STN EXPO East (March 20-25) Conference Preview that includes agenda details, daily schedule and unique networking events.

Read the full February 2025 issue.

Features

Exercise Plan
Student transporters are sharing the training and safety benefits of conducting mock causality school bus drills, not only for transportation staff but local emergency management teams.

Enhanced Communications Improve School Bus Operations
School bus drivers are often the only adult on board the school bus, requiring them to seamlessly connect to dispatch and first responders.

STN EXPO East Preview
Though the conference and trade show kicks off for the first time in a new locale of Concord, North Carolina, the event offers the same tried-and-true content, commerce and community opportunities the industry has grown to appreciate.

Special Report

Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Illegally passing motorists are one of the industry’s largest threats to student safety at school bus stops. Districts share what technological solutions are helping.

Feedback
Online
Ad Index

Editor’s Take by Ryan Gray
A Supreme (Court) Debate Impacting Internet on School Buses?

Thought Leader by Jeff Cassell
Crossing Arms: Do They Work?

Thought Leader by Robert T. Pudlewski
The Evolving Role of School Bus Technicians

Publisher’s Corner by Tony Corpin
Buckle Up for 2025

The post February 2025 appeared first on School Transportation News.

LISLE, Ill. – Durham School Services and its sister brands are once again shining a much-deserved spotlight on its latest and greatest group of revered ASE Master Technicians and Blue Seal locations. These talented individuals continuously strive to elevate their skills and knowledge to become top maintenance experts and in turn are recognized for these efforts and skills by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) by certifying them as Master Technicians. ASE-certified technicians are considered experts in their field and at the forefront of industry standards.

New ASE Master Technicians (Sister brands are specified in parentheses)
Clement, R – Indian River, NY
Cole, N – Boise, ID – Double ASE Master Technician
Devore, R – Rochester, MI (Monroe Transportation)
Dusharm, B – Indian River, NY
Fani, P – Newtown, PA -Double ASE Master Technician
Gilbert, A – Fremont, NH – Double ASE Master Technician
Gillman, C – Pickerington, OH (Petermann)
Hauge, G – West Ada, ID- Double ASE Master Technician
Hills, J – Utica, NY
Howery, W – Robbinsdale, MN
Kunau, P – Pleasant Valley, IA
LeClair, T – North Bay, ON, Canada (Stock Transportation)
Lobo, L – Sunderland, ON, Canada (Stock Transportation)
Metivier, D – Indian River, NY
Oien, S – Bloomington, MN – Triple ASE Master Technician (Septran)
Rodriguez, A – San Bernardino, CA – Quadruple ASE Master Technician
Sanders, K – Coppell, TX – Double ASE Master Technician
Vaughn, S – Memphis Collierville, TN – Triple ASE Master Technician
Warner, M – Indian River, NY

Further, individual ASE accreditations can contribute to additional distinguishment of their team and location. ASE’s Blue Seal of Excellence is one of the highest accolades within the automotive service industry that classifies a location as an elite business and recognizes it for its industry expertise and service excellence. To achieve Blue Seal status and recognition, at least 75% of a location’s technicians must be ASE certified, and there must be ASE-certified technicians for each area of service performed.

New Blue Seal Locations (Sister brands are specified in parentheses)
Boise, ID
Indian River, NY
Pickerington, OH (Petermann)

Blue Seal Renewals (Sister brands are specified in parentheses)
Everett, WA
Macomb, IL
North Bay, ON, Canada (Stock Transportation)

“As a Company that greatly values and supports the professional development of its team members, I couldn’t be more proud of our maintenance professionals who continue to push themselves to reach new heights with their skills and knowledge,” said Wayne Skinner, Senior Vice President of Maintenance, Durham School Services. “They pride themselves on their expertise and possess a high regard for the responsibility and vital role they play in the safety of the students our buses transport to school every day.”

Skinner continued, “These distinguished individuals, who work behind-the-scenes, are second to none in the industry and are some of the best technicians in the field. Congratulations on your achievements and thank you for your laudable dedication to becoming the best-of-the-best in your craft and industry.”

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. ASE Certified Technicians perform in every part of the automotive service industry.

Durham and its sister brands proudly support our technicians’ ASE certification through our internal ASE Advantage Program. This distinguished program provides free training, bonus incentives, and more for technicians who seek to be ASE certified in various maintenance categories of the transportation industry, including transit, student transportation, automotive, and inventory management. Since the establishment of its ASE Advantage Program in 2019, Durham has significantly increased its number of Certified Technicians, Master Technicians, total company ASE certifications, and Blue Seal locations.

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve. For more information visit https://www.durhamschoolservices.com/

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