In the Seaman School District, a team of dedicated and skilled mechanics ensures that our buses and transportation fleet operate safely and smoothly every day of the year. This four-person team, led by years of combined experience, exemplifies the commitment to safety, reliability, and excellence. Let’s meet the mechanics.
Steve and Matt: Classmates Turned Colleagues
Steve Huddleston and Matt Reeb’s journey in USD 345 began decades ago, with both attending school in the district and graduating together as Seaman Vikings from the Class of ’77. Steve first served as a bus driver, later stepping into a mechanic role in 2019. With 19 years in transportation, Steve brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the team. Matt, a trusted USD 345 mechanic for 25 years, offers a depth of technical knowledge gained over years of service in the transportation department. Their shared history as Seaman graduates brings a personal dedication to their work, grounded in community pride and a sense of family.
Nelven: A Steady Climb to Success
Nelven Smith has been a valuable part of the department for ten years, with a journey that started as a substitute bus driver. He then became a regular bus driver before transitioning to his role as a mechanic. Nelven‘s progression through different roles in the department offers him unique insights into bus operations and the high standards needed to keep students safe on the road. Nelvin’s adaptability and dedication are evident in every task he undertakes, ensuring our buses are in top condition.
Kenny: Leading with Expertise
Rounding out the team is Lead Mechanic Kenny Burgen (SHS Class of ‘96), whose expertise and leadership are essential to keeping the fleet and the garage running efficiently. Kenny oversees operations with a focus on thoroughness, organization, and precision, setting a high standard for maintenance and repair across all vehicles. His role is central to the team’s mission to provide seamless and reliable transportation to students and staff.
Seaman USD 345 mechanics handle a range of responsibilities, ensuring that the district’s fleet of buses and vehicles is ready to serve students and staff. Every vehicle reflects the highest commitment to safety with mechanics rigorously following maintenance schedules and conducting thorough checks to address potential issues before they arise. Their year-round attention to detail ensures that each bus, van, and car is ready to transport students and staff safely to and from school, activities, and events.
Summer is a busy times for the crew. The team dives into inspections and preventive maintenance, preparing the fleet for the upcoming school year. Every bolt is checked, every tire inspected, and every system tested to ensure students return to the safest rides possible. As the school year winds down, bus drivers complete detailed reports on the maintenance needs of their buses, covering everything from seat tears to mechanical issues. With these reports in hand, the mechanics perform thorough inspections and repairs for each bus, giving it a top-to-bottom service. Their efforts ensure that each bus is in optimal condition for the start of school.
The Kansas Highway Patrol conducts an annual bus inspection each August, checking every vehicle’s alarms, lights, horns, fluids, stop arms, etc. The mechanics must achieve a 100% pass rate across the entire fleet, ensuring that every bus meets the highest safety standards. Their dedication and attention to detail are key to the district’s success in maintaining a safe, reliable, and secure transportation system.
Not all of their work is mechanical. Last summer, the crew began repainting the hoods of older buses with fading or chipped paint.This is an ongoing project that improves both aesthetics and functionality. The newly painted black hoods on older buses reduce glare for drivers, providing a safer driving experience. When you see a bus with a black hood go by, you’ll know it’s part of USD 345’s commitment to quality and safety.
During the winter months, the mechanics often begin their day at 4:00 a.m. to clear the bus lot and prepare the fleet for cold-weather operation. They plug in buses to warm the antifreeze, treat fuel with additives to prevent freezing, and ensure that buses are ready for smooth operation when temperatures start dropping. They’re also out and about assisting the facilities and maintenance department by treating school parking lots and sidewalks around the district.
The team also handles major projects, such as the installation and maintenance of camera systems on each bus to enhance student safety. Each bus now has three cameras for comprehensive monitoring, providing extra peace of mind for drivers, parents, and students alike. Looking ahead at additonal projects on they list, they’re excited to install a “belly wash” system, which will allow for quick and efficient underside cleaning of each bus. This proactive maintenance prevents rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan and durability of a bus.
Fleet updates are another area of focus. Thanks to a grant, the district is in the process of replacing older, high-emission buses with newer models at a 25% discount, supporting USD 345’s commitment to environmental and fiscal responsibility. The team tracks the bus inventory to stay on schedule with fleet needs.
Beyond their work in the shop, the mechanics are part of the driving team, Steve and Matt are assigned to regular routes and Nelven is always on call as a substitute driver. They appreciate the chance to interact with students, adding to the sense of community that is central to USD 345. The team also prioritizes community outreach by decorating buses for holidays and organizing events like "Bus or Treat" for Halloween in the Northern Hills parking lot.
USD 345’s transportation team includes 56 bus drivers, 22 bus paras, three office staff, and our four dedicated mechanics, covering 235 daily routes with a fleet of 67 buses. Nearly all maintenance and repair work is completed in-house, a testament to the team’s efficiency and expertise.
Steve, Matt, Nelven, and Kenny are essential to the district’s operations, and their work positively impacts the entire Seaman community. Through their dedication to safety, quality, and community pride, they ensure that every bus ride is a safe and reliable experience for our students and staff.
