SPECIAL REPORT


Andy DeBolt, the fleet management coordinator with San Jose Unified School District in California, was also a STN 2020 Garage Star. The district purchases OEM parts for consistency with service manuals and wear indicators.


Parts Standardization Provides Cost-Saving, Efficiencies


Written by Eric Woolson E


very maintenance professional has their own unique way of going about their craft, and every bus garage has its own feel. But when experts discuss approaches to parts purchasing and in-


ventory management, certain best practices rise to the top. For starters, fleet uniformity goes a long way toward achieving reduced downtime, mechanic familiarity with


18 School Transportation News • AUGUST 2025


equipment, effective inventory management, and cost containment, explained a group of fleet directors and lead mechanics, some having earned the designation of School Transportation News Garage Stars in recent years. “The last 15 years weve been buying Blue Birds,” said Chad Eaton, fleet manager with the Eagle County School District in Colorado. “It just simplifies everything: Invento-


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