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hallenges often reveal the strength of a team, and that was certainly the case for the transpor- tation maintenance team at Hyde Park Central School District. During a period marked by
staffing shortages and the absence of a head me- chanic, members of the maintenance department stepped beyond their traditional responsibilities to keep operations running smoothly. Two mechanics assumed leadership duties while continuing to perform hands-on maintenance work, helping the department maintain a DOT inspection pass rate above 95 percent. At the same time, ongoing driver shortages required
maintenance and dispatch staff to take on additional responsibilities. Team members regularly stepped in to drive routes and support daily transportation opera- tions, ensuring students continued to arrive at school safely and on time. The seven-member maintenance team consists of James Watkins, Tyler Lizewski, Donnie Cuomo, Ray Shook, Chris Freer, Craig Schriro, and Michael Simek. To- gether, they bring a combined 45 years of experience in pupil transportation and are responsible for maintaining 101 school buses as well as district support vehicles. “Teamwork is essential to maintaining a safe and reli- able fleet. Effective communication, collaboration and a willingness to assist one another help ensure repairs
“Teamwork is the backbone of our daily operations because it directly minimizes vehicle downtime and increases turnaround times on repairs,” they shared. Work is assigned based on individual strengths and
technical specialties, while cross-training opportunities help technicians expand their skills and prepare for future challenges. That approach has helped Fort Bend maintain a highly reliable fleet while also supporting employee development. One of the department’s biggest challenges is balancing the maintenance needs of an aging fleet while adapting to rapidly evolving vehicle technology. To address fleet replacement needs, the district utiliz-
es Texas Emissions Reduction Plan grants to help fund new buses. At the same time, technicians participate in
Hyde Park Central School District, New York Rising to the Challenge
are completed efficiently, inspections are performed thoroughly and buses remain in service,” said Senior Mechanic James Watkins and Mechanic Tyler Lizewski, who contributed to the team’s responses. Work assignments are based on maintenance sched-
ules, repair priorities and technician experience. That flexibility has allowed the department to continue operating efficiently despite staffing challenges. One of the team’s most significant accomplishments during the past year has been its ability to adapt without sacrificing safety or service. In addition to maintain- ing fleet reliability, the department implemented lug nut indicators across the fleet, a proactive measure designed to improve vehicle safety and assist drivers during pre-trip inspections. Although Hyde Park’s maintenance facility has not
undergone major upgrades in recent years, techni- cians continue to invest in professional development through manufacturer and industry training programs. The team also remains open to adopting technologies that improve fleet reliability, safety and regulatory compliance. The department currently operates one electric school bus, providing technicians with valuable experience as alternative-fuel technologies continue to emerge within the industry. For newcomers entering the field, the team’ advised
to never stop learning. “Vehicle technology continues to evolve, and those who are willing to learn, seek training opportunities and adapt to change will be the most successful in the industry,” Watkins and Lizewski wrote. They added the department’s success is rooted in the dedication and professionalism of the entire maintenance staff. They credited the team’s willingness to adapt, support one another and remain focused on student safety despite ongoing staffing challenges.
ongoing training to stay current with modern diagnostic systems and maintenance practices. Technology plays a central role in the department’s operations. The team recently transitioned from its previous fleet manage- ment software to a cloud-based system that allows technicians to access and update work orders from mobile devices throughout the shop. The team said industry newcomers should embrace
continuous learning and take advantage of training opportunities whenever possible. Above all, the team remains focused on its primary responsibility, student safety. “Every single day, our team takes immense pride in knowing that our hard work ensures students are transported safely to school and back home to their families,” the Fort Bend ISD staff added.
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