It's Settle to Seattle in September.
That's the result of Iowa's fifth annual "Best of the Best" competition for school bus technicians, held at Thomas Bus Sales in Des Moines on June 12.
Iowa school bus tech takes state title
Kevin Settle of Western Dubuque Community School District wins Iowa's fifth annual "Best of the Best" competition for school bus technicians. He advances to this year's national competition, to be held in Seattle in September.
June 19, 2013
1 min to read
Kevin Settle, a technician from Western Dubuque Community School District, won the competition, which tested contestants with a written exam and a hands-on challenge.
The event, which also included half a day of training, drew 23 participants from 16 school districts in the state.
State pupil transportation director Max Christensen pointed to the strong turnout and called this year's Best of the Best event "the most successful one yet."
"Of course, 'best' is only relative, since every one of our participants is an awesome mechanic and was a credit to our competition," Christensen added.
Settle now advances to the national America's Best competition for school bus technicians and inspectors, which will be held Sept. 24-27 in Seattle.
More on last year's America's Best event:
• Photo gallery: 2012 America's Best competition
• Repeat wins for America's Best bus tech, inspector
More Maintenance
Cummins Introduces Meritor MFLEX4 Air Disc Brake Pad
Check out key features of the new air disc brake pad and catch free 2026 brake training sessions from Cummins and Meritor. Details here.
Read More →
Sponsored•January 29, 2026
8 Ways To Simplify and Streamline School Bus Fleet Operations
What if your fleet technology actually worked together? Learn eight practical strategies to integrate multiple systems into one platform, unlocking clearer insights, stronger safety standards, and smoother daily operations.
Read More →
Sponsored•January 19, 2026
3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
Sponsored•November 7, 2025
eBook: Good for the Fleet, Good for the Community
Learn how modern telematics helps pupil transportation fleets operate more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while proving measurable value to their communities. See how real fleets are reducing idling, improving driver safety, and using video data to protect budgets and passengers alike.
Read More →
Applications Open for Propane Autogas Skills Grant Program
With alternative fuels on the rise, PERC’s grant program helps schools prepare students for careers maintaining low-emission fleets through hands-on training and equipment funding.
Read More →
Fleetio Expands Maintenance Shop Network into Canada
Fleetio's expanded network gives transportation departments new access to verified repair partners, faster approvals, and real-time repair tracking.
Read More →
Noregon Updates Shop Management System, CARB Inspection Tool
The maintenance company's Truck Check Up and ShopPulse products receive enhancements and feature updates.
Read More →
Pro-Vision Launches FleetGuard Maintenance Plan
The company's new maintenance program offers inspections, fast repairs, and support to keep school bus video systems running.
Read More →
Durham School Services Recognizes New ASE Master Technicians and Blue Seal Locations
Eleven techs across the school bus contractor have achieved master mechanic status, while six Durham operations earn new Blue Seal status.
Read More →