MENU
SEARCHJohn Maxwell of Dallas Center — Grimes Community School District earns top honors during the state's fourth annual Best of the Best Technicians Training and Competition. Maxwell competes with 18 other technicians for the title in what state pupil transportation director Max Christensen says is the most successful competition so far.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa — School bus technicians from 12 districts in the state vied for the top spot in Iowa's fourth annual Best of the Best Technicians Training and Competition here last month.
The winner was John Maxwell of Dallas Center — Grimes Community School District. Maxwell competed with 18 other technicians during the event.
Max Christensen, executive officer of school transportation at the Iowa Department of Education, said that all of the participants in this year’s competition are excellent school bus technicians, and it was the most successful competition thus far.
“It was a great effort by all of the participants and to all those involved in putting the ‘Best of the Best’ together this year,” he added.
The technicians represented the following school districts: Allamakee Community School District in Waukon, Burlington Community School District, Dallas Center — Grimes Community School District, Glenwood Community School District, Indianola Community Schools, Johnston Community School District, Marshalltown Community School District, Mt. Vernon Community School District, Norwalk Community School District, Southeast Polk Community School District, Starmont Community School District and Western Dubuque Community School District.
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
Read More →
What top challenges are school bus maintenance teams facing in 2026? Explore new trends from School Bus Fleet’s annual maintenance survey covering fleet composition and age, fuel types, used vs. new purchasing patterns, technician pay and certifications, and the impact of the driver shortage. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →
The company’s new AI tool helps fleet managers approve repairs faster, prioritize maintenance, and reduce shop time across high-volume fleets.
Read More →
From tire changers and diagnostics to wash systems and brake tech, these maintenance must-haves save time, reduce strain, and keep school bus shops running efficiently.
Read More →
Download this white paper for clear guidance on evaluating your organization’s needs and selecting a partner who delivers long-term value.
Read More →
When school bus communication systems fail, the consequences extend far beyond equipment repairs. Downtime can increase safety risks, strain dispatch operations, and erode driver confidence. Explore how proactive radio lifecycle management and managed services are reducing disruptions, supporting driver retention, and delivering predictable budgeting for school transportation fleets.
Read More →
Is it time to rethink your school bus brake system? Let’s break down cost, performance, maintenance, and real-world fleet experiences.
Read More →
Bendix’s 2026 training program will bring in-person and virtual brake system courses to technicians across the country, focusing on air brake fundamentals and advanced safety technologies.
Read More →
As gasoline use rises, maintenance teams face tighter budgets, limited training, and slow wage growth. This and more trends and analysis in our annual survey report. Survey sponsor: Dayton Parts.
Read More →
APEX by BendPak expands its tire service lineup with new swing-arm tire changers and wheel balancers designed for school bus and light-duty fleet maintenance operations.
Read More →
