RON NIEBOLTE Shop Foreman M & M Bus Service Recent Inspection Score: 1 bus failure in 2018 Fleet Size: 65 school buses Miles Traveled: 950,000 per school year


Number of Technicians: 5 Ron Niebolte has worked with M & M Bus Service for 31 years.


He exemplifies dedication, safety focus, efficiency and respect for his co-workers. He loves that you never know what the day will bring. Niebolte enjoys the challenge of figuring out problems and working with others to find solutions.


Niebolte’s expertise is valued by other technicians around the


state, so they call him whenever they need help or have a question. For instance, Shelly Jonas, CFO of M & M Bus Service, reported


that Niebolte had discovered a fuel filter that was ill-fitting and a fire hazard, which spurred a nationwide recall. Niebolte met with Cummins to show the company what he


discovered, after drivers had to evacuate two buses. Niebolte also loves to learn, and was one of the first adopters


of Project Greenfleet, adding the DOC and closed crankcase filtration in 2008. He researched the issue and attended statewide meetings to learn how to install everything himself. His co-workers describe Niebolte as someone with a calm


nature, who never gets upset about something being carried out the wrong way. Instead, he uses it as a teaching moment that everyone can learn from.


“Recently, 3M came out to learn about the school bus industry and they spent about 3 hours picking Ron’s brain. As they left, they said they could tell Ron is someone special, who truly cares about the employees of M & M and the safety of kids.”


—Shelley Jonas, Chief Financial Officer for M & M Bus Service


LEEFRED CHARLES Master Fleet Technician Atlanta Public Schools in Georgia Latest Inspection Score: 77 percent Fleet Size: 404 school buses Miles Traveled: 4,306,540 per school year


Number of Technicians: 22 LeeFred Charles has dedicated himself to his career of being


a top-notch technician, Executive Director for Atlanta Public Schools, John Franklin said. Charles is a dedicated employee who exceeds daily expec-


tations. He purchases numerous diagnostic tools with his own money, to stay on top of technology to repair buses expediently. He is helpful and values teamwork. Charles starts his day in the early morning hours, where he and


his co-workers work diligently to complete the tasks and repairs that need to be finished for that day. He loves being able to troubleshoot, repair and get the bus


back on the road in a timely manner. Charles said he also loves being shown appreciation from the drivers, because of the com- pleted repair. “Lastly and most important, is recognizing that the repairs


were completed correctly, so that the kids have safe and reliable transportation to get them to and from their daily destinations,” Charles said. Charles is a great asset for figuring out what is ailing a bus, and getting it back on the road. He understands the rhythm and pace of a shop. Franklin added that Charles is always welcoming. He has a robust and gregarious laugh and infectious smile. Charles said, however, that he is thankful to his co-workers for


stepping up and making efforts in the shop to encourage a team effort. Without his co-workers, he notes, his efforts would not have been successful. “I would like to also thank Mr. Franklin for all of his encourage- ment. He recognized something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and motivating me to utilize all of my knowledge and skill-sets within the organization,” Charles observed.


“He also exhibits true leadership qualities by being organized, communicative, and firm when needed. But he always has the needs of the students and schools at heart.”


— John Franklin, Executive Director, Atlanta Public Schools


42 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2019


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