June 18, 2013, Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – More than 40 transportation supervisors and school bus technicians representing 20 different school districts recently joined state transportation officials and bus maintenance experts at a training session at Leonard Bus Sales’ facility in Saratoga Springs, hosted in coordination with the Capital Region Head Mechanics Association. The session was yet another example of how Leonard Bus Sales supports the work of Head Mechanics Association chapters through collaborative efforts across the state.
“Hosting training sessions like these are some of the most important things we can do for our customers,” said Chris O’Hara, Leonard Bus Sales Operations Manager in Saratoga Springs. “It is critical for bus mechanics and technicians to be educated on the latest technology and service techniques to help maintain an efficient and safe fleet. Training sessions also allows us to build strong relationships with our local Head Mechanics Association chapters and school districts.”
The seminar featured Leonard Bus Sales training specialist and Master Certified trainer Marv Wood sharing the latest on the coming changes to On Board Diagnostics, as well as a training session on Navistar’s PocketMaxx handheld diagnostic device – which connects online to Navistar’s extensive information systems for improved diagnostics. New York State Department of Transportation Chief Technician Rusty Seastrum and NYSDOT Region 1 Supervisor Tom Ward also attended, providing information on DOT policies and procedures.
The President of the Capital Region Head Mechanics Association and Duanesburg Central Schools Transportation Supervisor, Harry Folckemer presided over the meeting and thanked Leonard Bus Sales for hosting the event for CRHMA and its members.
The School District represented at the training session were: Averill Park CSD, Ballston Spa CSD, Berne-Knox CSD, Broadalbin-Perth CSD, Corinth CSD, Duanesburg CSD, Greenwich CSD, Guilderland CSD, Indian Lake CSD, Lake Pleasant CSD, Mayfield CSD, Mechanicville City Schools, Queensbury CSD, Rensselaer City Schools, Saratoga Springs City Schools, Schoharie CSD, Schuylerville CSD, Shenendehowa CSD, South Colonie CSD, and Voorheesville CSD.
Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. is owned and operated by the Leonard family, a recognized leader in the distribution and support of quality, environmentally-friendly school and commercial buses. A third generation family-owned business, Leonard Bus Sales has nearly 50 years of experience providing cost-saving fleet management and award-winning customer support. Leonard Bus Sales is a leading-distributor of IC BusTM brand buses in Upstate New York. The company also distributes Type-A school and commercial buses from Trans Tech throughout New York and Type-A commercial buses from Champion Bus in Upstate New York. The company is headquartered in Deposit, NY and operates four additional full-service facilities in Saratoga Springs, Rome, Bergen, and a Trans Tech Type-A facility in Garden City Park, N.Y.