report for work and the last one to leave. He ensures he is available to answer phone calls anytime his services are needed,” she said. Aranda added that the most satisfying part of his job is seeing children loading and unloading the bus safely. He explained that there are always going to be challenges to overcome, especially since he only has five hours after the morning run to get buses ready for the afternoon. “I always considered it a blessing to be asked to help with tasks that were outside my purview,” he said. “I truly be- lieve that when we say, ‘that’s not my job,’ we are missing out on learning something new. It’s not always about the money, but the experience we gain out of helping in a time of need.”
During the summer, Aranda performs all state bus inspections for the district. In addition to oil changes on all buses, he also services and repairs all A/C systems and works on bus projects that he can’t get to during the school year. “I always pray to God for him to place me in a good
job where I could make a difference,” he said. “I want to make an impact not just through the work I do, but also through the relationships with the people around me. I know that I’m exactly where God wants me to be, Iglesia Bautista Nueva Jerusalen and Natalia ISD in Natalia, Tex- as. I want to thank the operations department in Natalia ISD for believing and appreciating the work I do for our district and awarding me Employee of the Year in 2021 and 2022. I love what I do, and I don’t do it for the recog- nition, but I appreciate it nonetheless.”
✪ Emil Brunazzi Head Mechanic
Deer Lakes School District in Pennsylvania Fleet Maintained: 27 school buses & 6 school vehicles Total Shop Staff: 3 Technicians
Most challenging maintenance problem to date? “Any complex electrical problems are the most difficult to fix.”
Emil Brunazzi has spent the last 34 years working at Deer Lakes School District outside of Pittsburgh, starting as a mechanic and working his way up the shop ladder. Prior to joining Deer Lakes, he was an Ohio Diesel Tech at a dealership that sold Thomas Built Buses, Heil gar- bage trucks, and Braun mobility equipment. “Emil exemplifies all of the characteristics you want to
have in an employee, especially one in a leadership role,” Director of Transportation Samantha Abate wrote in her nomination. “He has a vast knowledge of bus mechanics. He is incredibly organized and extremely competent in all
topics related to the transportation field. He stays current with transportation news and busing regulations.” She added that Brunazzi is planning on retiring soon. “I cannot think of another person who is more deserv- ing of recognition before he hangs up mechanics title to move on to the next chapter of his life,” Abate added. “The passion he has for the school district and the students we serve is bar none. He is working hard to pass along the skills of the trade to the other mechanics, but he will be truly missed when the time comes for him to retire.” Currently, Brunazzi and his two other mechanics are
working on installing new camera technology and stop- arm cameras from Bus Patrol. He said he takes pride in knowing that the buses being sent out each day are the safest for the district’s students and drivers. Brunazzi noted that 40 years ago if a mechanic had a
problem they couldn’t fix, they would either write to manu- facturers or read publications. He noted that the upgrades in technology, the internet and network of people established over his career have been the most helpful resources to help him do his job. “Sharing of information from mechanic to mechanic is key,” he added.
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