Washoe County School District has a split


diesel-gasoline tank in addition to propane and electric vehicle supply equipment at its new $33 million facility.


leaded gasoline, diesel and propane in bulk through a state-approved contract and charges to the vehicle when pumped via a fleet cardlock system. These trans- actions are tracked per vehicle and processed through the district’s fleet software. ESB charging is monitored and recorded but at present, accurate cost analysis is still evolving. “It’s currently on the same service as the buildings, so it’s


a little more difficult to identify the actual charging costs,” Lee said. “We’re working with our internal departments and local power municipality to break out these costs.” At Fort Bend ISD, tracking fuel usage is an important


component of both fiscal responsibility and operation- al efficiency, Sims noted. “We utilize fuel management systems that track fuel transactions by vehicle, allowing us to monitor consumption trends, identify irregularities and support budgeting efforts.” Fuel data is reviewed alongside vehicle utilization,


maintenance records and route operations to provide a more complete picture of fleet performance. He added that ongoing evaluation and improvement of opera- tions have proven that effective fuel management goes beyond simply tracking gallons consumed. “The real value comes from understanding how fuel usage impacts overall fleet efficiency, maintenance costs, vehicle performance and service delivery,” Sims said. “By leveraging available data and reporting tools, we’re better positioned to identify opportunities for cost savings, improve operational decision-making and en- sure responsible stewardship of district resources while maintaining a safe and reliable transportation system for our students.”


Embracing Automation Across the spectrum of operations, a willingness to embrace automation, where possible, can bring results that justify the investment required. Epley said that in considering options, it’s important


not to overlook hidden costs associated with relying on outdated manual processes. “Software solutions for fuel management, work order tracking, parts inventory, and vehicle diagnostics can sometimes appear expensive when viewed only as a direct expense,” he said. “Howev- er, the true return on investment often comes from the automation of time-consuming legacy processes, re- ducing administrative workload and allowing shop staff to focus on maintenance activities that improve shop productivity and vehicle turnaround times.” In addition, maintaining accurate inventories of fuel, parts and other assets provides benefits beyond simple accountability, Epley noted. Better inventory man- agement reduces emergency purchases, minimizes overstocking and obsolete inventory and improves parts availability for scheduled repairs. It also helps identify usage trends, reduces waste and shrinkage, and supports more informed budgeting and purchasing decisions. These efficiencies help lower operating costs while keeping vehicles in service and available to support dis- trict operations. At Arlington ISD, progress has also been promising in


improving digital shop management operations. “We feel that a successful preventative maintenance schedule takes precedence for efficiency and safety,” Gillis said. “This setup will allow us to monitor service intervals and vehicle telemetry in an effort to address issues before they become major.”


Careful Planning In planning for infrastructure improvements, experi- ences faced by colleagues can be revealing. Lee advised that when building a new facility, it can be productive to reach out to others who have done it, along with researching best practices. It may very well be a first for your architect and related trades for this type of build. “When possible, incorporate fueling, charging, fleet washing, site wide Wi-Fi, site cameras, backup generator,


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