Tim Hicks: Leading Through Knowledge and Service Fleet Manager | Jerome School District, Idaho
F
or Tim Hicks, student transportation is more than maintaining buses and man- aging operations. It’s about ensuring that every student has safe, reliable access to
education. Throughout his 10-year career in pupil transportation, Hicks has become a re- spected leader in Idaho’s school transportation community. Known for his technical expertise, commitment to professional development and willingness to share knowledge with others, he has built a reputation as a trusted resource for other transportation professionals. Hicks’ journey began while teaching auto-
motive technology at the College of Western Idaho. After presenting breakout sessions at the Idaho Student Transportation Technician Workshop, he was introduced to the school transportation industry and quickly developed a passion for the work. “I was introduced to a dedicated group of
professionals whose work directly impacted student safety every day,” Hicks said. “I quickly developed a passion for Idaho’s school trans- portation programs.” Today, Hicks serves as fleet manager and
transportation supervisor for Jerome School District, where his day begins around 5 a.m. Managing a fleet of 30 school buses and 10 district vehicles, he oversees route opera- tions and fleet maintenance, supervises staff and tackles administrative responsibilities. Mornings often involve monitoring routes or filling in as a driver when needed. Afternoons are spent supporting dispatch operations, overseeing maintenance activities and col- laborating with transportation professionals throughout Idaho on compliance and opera- tional issues. The 2025-2026 school year marked a major
milestone for Jerome School District, as it transitioned from contracted transportation services to a fully district-operated program. Hicks played a key role in building the op- eration from the ground up, overseeing the purchase of the district’s fleet, equipping a maintenance facility, implementing fleet management systems, and hiring a team of technicians. The transition allowed the district
to create a transportation pro- gram tailored specifically to its needs, resulting in greater oversight, improved responsive- ness and significant cost savings while enhancing support for stu- dent transportation services. Innovation continues to be a priority
for Hicks and his team. The department utilizes advanced routing software with live- view camera capabilities and is implementing maintenance management software that will provide real-time, pre-trip inspections as well as scheduled maintenance tracking and inven- tory management. “Technology has transformed school bus
maintenance from a paper-based process into a proactive fleet management system,” Hicks said. “Through preventive maintenance sched- uling, diagnostics, electronic inspections and data analysis, we’ve improved safety, reduced costs and maximized fleet availability.” A certified trainer and accomplished tech- nician, Hicks holds numerous certifications, including ASE Automotive Master Technician, ASE Medium/Heavy Truck Master Technician, Idaho Certified Trainer and multiple state transportation certifications. When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Hicks points to the mission that drives every transportation department. “The best part of my day is knowing that ev-
ery student arrives safely at school and returns home safely,” he said. “Seeing drivers, me- chanics, dispatchers and support staff working together as a team to serve students is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.” Outside of work, Hicks enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting and exploring Idaho’s mountains on his Harley-Davidson. For those entering the student transportation in- dustry, his advice is simple: Be willing to learn, build relationships and share knowledge with others. “Everyone shares the same goal and is will-
ing to help,” Hicks said. “Continue to improve your knowledge and skills and share what you have learned.”
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