First Student Technician Earns ASE Master Certification
Randy Stephenson of Boonville, Missouri, is now an Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician.
Randy Stephenson, a maintenance technician at First Student's Boonville, Missouri, location, earned the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician certification. The shop he works at recently earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence certification, shown here.
Randy Stephenson, a maintenance technician at First Student's Boonville, Missouri, location, earned the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician certification. The shop he works at recently earned the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence certification, shown here.
BOONVILLE, Mo. — Randy Stephenson, a maintenance technician for First Student, has earned the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician certification.
Stephenson is responsible for maintaining a fleet of buses that provide transportation services for the Boonville R-1 School District and Prairie View State School in Missouri. Stephenson has 35 years of experience in the transportation industry.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying repair and service professionals. ASE master technicians must complete a series of rigorous tests to earn the certification.
“Earning ASE master technician certification requires years of hands-on work and learning,” said David Weller, First Student regional maintenance manager. “We are proud to have Randy join our other master technicians in leading our effort to ensure excellence in our maintenance operations. Their dedication to the work and passion for continued professional development represent the best our industry has to offer.”
The shop location Stephenson works at recently earned the ASE’s Blue Seal of Excellence.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →