els that helped the district buy the type of buses proven to minimize operating expenses and maximize fleet utilization. At South Kitsap in Kitsap County, Wash- ington, Shields worked with an assistant superintendent who wrote a sustainable bus replacement plan using the data from vehicle expenses, fuel costs and shop labor to improve specifications. Tey used average load data to specify the best passenger ca- pacity buses. Shields said he learned to chart fuel costs over time, to anticipate the cycle of ebbs and flows inherent in the economic forces that influence fuel prices.
THE NEW AGE OF DATA Shields incrementally learned the value of data and how to use it in his earlier ca- reer. Data has always been there, however, the technology and tools to gather and use it are much more sophisticated today. In his many years in Salem, Oregon, he has put it all together, using data in many aspects of his job.
As people are consistent with the use of data, learn the applications. Experience the success. Tis all leads to a new culture.
— Michael Shields, Director of Transportation Salem-Keizer Public Schools in Oregon
“In 2003, some school board members wanted to look at contracted services,” said Shields. “We formed a district committee to develop what was desired and to write specifications for service. Our department also competed for the services. While our data was valuable, and in some instances crucial, the real selling point for our board was the driver and department relation- ships with the parents and community.” Data and the new age of big data, is
hardly a new concept. It is the basis for smart management in so many industries. Schools are using it in many ways, and will likely use it much more in years ahead.
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As they continually adopt tools such as software platforms that gather and compute data, they will help convince some skeptics and those who are resistant to change. Te value of data will be simply used—as it was in New Hampshire—to drive decisions. But it will also be used for more complex decisions, both operational and otherwise, to better manage. “Initially there is some resistance and skepticism,” said Shields. “As people are consis- tent with the use of data, learn the applications. Experience the success. Tis all leads to a new culture.” ●
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