Indian Valley Local Schools nearly E
five years ago, Haga has become an indispensable part of the transportation department. Known for his technical exper- tise, proactive mindset and willingness to step into any role when needed, he has helped transform the district’s maintenance operation while keeping buses safe, reliable and ready for service.
Haga began his career as a diesel mechan-
ic after graduating high school in 2017. Four years later, a conversation with Indian Val- ley’s transportation director about becoming a substitute bus driver led him to discover an opening for a school bus mechanic. He applied for the position and quickly found a career that combined his technical skills with a meaningful mission. His previous experience with FedEx and a local International dealer- ship provided a strong foundation, but Haga said the school transportation industry offers something unique. “The school busing world is different from
the rest of the trucking industry I’ve worked for,” he said. “At a school district, we have the opportunity to focus a little more on quality repairs, and it is a nice peace of mind when you consider what our drivers are transporting.” Today, Haga helps maintain a fleet of 24 school buses, six district vehicles and a variety of groundskeeping equipment. Working along- side another mechanic and a transportation supervisor, he handles nearly every aspect of fleet maintenance in-house, including preven- tive maintenance services, diagnostics, state inspections and major repairs. His day begins as buses leave the lot for morning routes. From there, he monitors radio traffic for breakdowns or route issues while managing work orders and maintenance needs
40 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2026
Nicholas Haga: Keeping the Wheels Turning Mechanic | Indian Valley Local Schools, Ohio
very repair is an op- portunity for Nicholas Haga to learn some- thing new. Since joining
throughout the district’s fleet. By completing most repairs in-house and prioritizing critical maintenance, Haga has helped improve turnaround times and keep the district’s fleet reliable and ready for service. One area where Haga has made a sig- nificant impact is embracing new technology. Indian Valley has begun introducing telematics technology into its fleet, allowing buses to report diagnostic information, maintenance alerts and vehicle health reports directly back to the garage while on route. Haga said the telematics system helps technicians identify potential issues before they lead to break- downs, allowing the department to stay ahead of maintenance and reduce downtime. While many transportation operations face staffing challenges, Haga credited careful planning and technology for helping Indian Valley remain efficient.
Outside the garage, Haga stays active in the school community as a high jump coach for the high school track team. He also enjoys working on engines, riding off-road vehicles and traveling on outdoor adventures. One of his favorite experiences was exploring Utah’s Sand Hollow State Park, where he spent time navigating both sand dunes and rocky terrain. Haga holds a 609 Refrigeration License and
a Career Center Certification in Commercial Truck Technology. He remains committed to expanding his knowledge and believes con- tinuous learning is one of the most important qualities for success in the industry. “Keep a learning mindset,” he advised
newcomers. “New technology is always being developed, and the best way not to fall behind is to try to learn something new every day and not become complacent.”
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