Written by Merari Acevedo | merari@stnmedia.com  lotte-Mecklenburg Schools L


(CMS) student. At 5 years old, she knew she wanted to become a school bus driver. After graduat- ing high school, she fulfilled that goal


in 2001, when she began driving for CMS. Her childhood aspiration grew into a 25-year career marked by continuous learning, leadership and a steadfast commitment to student safety. Gleaton embraced a new challenge by


transitioning into transportation maintenance, building on her background in diesel mechan- ics. She served as a service truck operator, fueling buses, replacing tires and performing inspections. She then became one of the first entry-level technicians to earn a North Carolina School Bus Inspection Certification. She ad- vanced to Technician II, before being promoted to maintenance supervisor, becoming the first African-American female to hold the position at CMS. Today, Gleaton oversees maintenance operations supporting more than 1,100 pieces of equipment, including school buses, service trucks, vans and other district support vehicles. “The best part of my job is knowing that the


work we do keeps students safe every day,” Gleaton said. “Maintaining a reliable fleet has a direct impact on the community, and I take pride in leading a team that ensures buses are safe and ready for service.” Gleaton holds several certifications that support her role and reflect her commitment to professional growth. In addition to the state inspection certification and CDL, she completed forklift certification and Allison Transmission training. She has also complet- ed Blue Bird Electric Bus and Infrastructure training as well as IC Bus electric bus training, along with additional industry-related certifi- cations. She prioritizes continuing education to stay current with evolving vehicle technolo- gy and industry standards. Her responsibilities include overseeing pre- ventive maintenance, coordinating workflow,


36 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2026


Latonya Gleaton: Leading by Example Maintenance Supervisor | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina


ong before she be- came a maintenance supervisor, Latonya Gleaton was a Char-


supporting technicians, managing inspections and inventory, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Each day, she works alongside transportation leadership to keep school buses operating safely and effi- ciently. Like many school districts, CMS has experienced challenges recruiting and retaining qualified technicians. Gleaton credits teamwork, ongoing training and a willingness to embrace new technology with helping the department continue delivering dependable service. The district has adopted computerized diagnostics, electronic inspection reporting and preventive maintenance tracking systems that improve efficiency and fleet reliability. CMS also operates 130 propane-powered buses and 28 electric buses, requiring special- ized training as alternative-fuel technology becomes an increasingly important part of pupil transportation. Outside of work, Gleaton enjoys spending time with her family, attend- ing church, singing in the choir, working on personal vehicles and solving puzzles. “I value staying active and continuously learning new skills, particularly those related to mechanics and problem-solving,” she stated. She encourages industry newcomers to re-


main committed to learning, embrace evolving technology and continue professional growth. “This industry is always evolving, so having a strong work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to grow will set you up for success,” she said. Reflecting on her career, Gleaton said one les- son has remained constant: The work performed behind the scenes has a direct impact on students every day. From fulfilling a childhood dream as a school bus driver to leading a main- tenance operation that keeps more than 1,100 vehicles road-ready, she continues to demon- strate that leadership begins with service.


Ten individuals and three maintenance teams


are profiled this month. With over 100 nomi- nations of both teams and individuals, School Transportation News Technical Editor Robert Pu- dlewski used his 10-point criteria to narrow the list to the very best in North American garages.


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