Embracing Technological Advancements in the Bus Garage
Written by Taylor Ekbatani |
taylor@stnonline.com W
hile the framework and structure of a school bus garage has remained relatively the same for decades, the technology and tools to get the job done are ever changing. This year’s Garage Stars
embrace the evolution—especially in terms of adopting new technology such as electric school buses—and have used it to better streamline their departments. This is not to mention the various software and digital manage- ment systems they are now using in the shop. With over 100 nominations, School Transportation News
Technical Editor Robert T. Pudlewski’s 10-point criteria narrowed the list down to the Top 10 that are featured in this month’s issue. Many recognized have been working
George Bell – Fleet Services Supervisor Temple Independent School District, Texas
in the school bus garage for years, being inspired to join a school district by family members or those close to them. One Garage Star, Scott VanHosen from Bethlehem
Central Schools, New York, is putting his tools down to enjoy retirement after a 30-year career. Bethlehem CSD was also recognized when Garage Star Raymond Ginter was profiled last year. Another familiar district, Greenville County Schools in South Carolina, nomi- nated Cole Moody in 2022 and now celebrates Andrew Little this year. Stay tuned at
stnonline.com/go/jx for an upcoming
special report about how these bus garages are consis- tently producing star employees.
Total school buses in fleet: 90 Total other district vehicles: 75 Total staff in the bus garage: 8
Eleven years ago, George Bell applied to work for Temple ISD
after budget cuts led to him being laid off from his previous job working on military equipment. He was only planning on staying at the school district until he could get another government con- tract. “Little did I know I would later fall in love with the job and the people,” he said. Amy Scopac, the district’s director of transportation and fleet
services, said Bell is an extraordinary shop supervisor and differ- ence-maker. “His work ethic, dedication and creativity keep the wheels on the bus rolling,” she wrote when nominating Bell. “His positive attitude is contagious, and his overall enthusiasm for life is remarkable. George bleeds yellow and is an invaluable member of our work family.” In addition to completing work orders, Bell said he drives a
40 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2024
school bus route if needed. He shared that shop staff fix every- thing from buses to lawn equipment. Scopac added that Bell is an accomplished teacher and regularly spends time investing in others. He holds a diesel technology degree from Texas State Technical College and is an ASE certified school bus technician. Additionally, she said every Friday night (and on Saturdays during marching competition season), he donates his time to help the high school band unload, move and reload heavy equip- ment while also providing onsite repairs as necessary. “He is the first to arrive and the last to leave. George also has a huge heart for our students and community,” Scopac added, recall- ing a time Bell assisted during a massive ice storm, when Temple ISD transported wheelchair-bound veterans and the elderly to warming shelters and hospitals for care. “Our city was completely frozen over, but the wheels on the yellow bus never stopped turning, regardless of the treacherous road conditions, thanks to George.” Bell noted there were no electrical tools when he was first
hired. Now, the technicians depend on new technology to help get their jobs done. One of those tools is Servicefinder 5.0 from Transfinder, which helps track inventory. But his favorite part of the job, he said, “is the satisfaction of
keeping the children moving and safe from day to day and know- ing I had a major role in that process.”
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