Dave Tartaglia: Leading Beyond the Shop Regional Maintenance Manager | First Student
F
or nearly 26 years, Dave Tartaglia has helped keep school buses safely on the road by supporting the people who main- tain them. After beginning his career in
construction and utility vehicle maintenance, Tartaglia transitioned into pupil transportation when an opportunity opened for a techni- cian-in-charge position. The role matched both his technical background and leadership experience, launching what would become a decades-long career with First Student. Tartaglia now serves as regional mainte- nance manager, supporting operations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He oversees ap- proximately 4,300 school buses and supports about 125 technicians, technicians-in-charge and shop managers throughout the region. “My day-to-day focus is supporting our shop
teams to ensure they operate to company standards, with an emphasis on maintaining a safe, reliable and well-performing fleet,” Tarta- glia said. Throughout his career, Tartaglia has helped shops navigate complex operational challeng- es while maintaining service for customers. Rather than managing from a distance, he regularly visits locations to remove obstacles, assist with technical challenges, and support local leadership. His experience has made him a trusted resource for technicians working through diagnostics, new technologies and maintenance processes. He is also commit- ted to identifying future leaders and creating opportunities for technicians to grow profes- sionally. Like many transportation organizations,
First Student continues to face challenges recruiting qualified technicians. Tartaglia said the school bus contractor works with talent acquisition teams and technical schools while investing in modern shop environments, career advancement opportunities and ongoing train- ing to attract and retain skilled employees. Technology plays an increasingly important role in that effort. First Student maintenance teams use the
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Hexagon Enterprise Asset Management platform to track maintenance activities, monitor fleet performance and identify long-term trends. Across Tartaglia’s region, technicians also maintain approximately 150 pro- pane-powered buses and 75 electric school buses, requiring specialized tools, personal protective equipment and ongoing training. His advice to industry newcomers reflects the approach that has guided his own career. “Stay curious and committed to learning,” he said. “This industry is always evolving, so taking pride in your work and continuing to develop your skills will set you up for long- term success.” ●
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