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Board approves revised mechanic job descriptions; electric bus issues remain unresolved
Summary
Trustees approved new assistant mechanic, mechanic and lead mechanic job descriptions to clarify responsibilities for white fleet, diesel buses and electric buses. Board members noted three district electric buses have not entered service and discussed vendor issues tied to Lion Electric's bankruptcy.
The Rescue Union Elementary School District board on June 10 approved revised job descriptions and salary schedules for three mechanic positions to differentiate duties for white-fleet equipment, diesel buses and electric buses.
The revisions create clearer lines of responsibility: assistant mechanic will focus on white-fleet vehicles and small equipment; mechanic will cover diesel buses and the white fleet; and lead mechanic will include responsibilities for electric buses, the district said during the presentation. The board was told these changes follow bargaining with classified employees and a memorandum of understanding covering the new descriptions.
Why it matters: the district has experienced maintenance backlogs that trustees were told have affected bus availability. The changes are intended to ensure staff have clearly defined responsibilities and to create internal promotion pathways where appropriate.
Trustees asked about the timeline for returning electric buses to service. The district said most immediate improvements will be in getting diesel buses back into service because assistant-mechanic staffing shortages have delayed diesel repairs. The district confirmed that three electric buses purchased about a year ago have not reached the road and that service problems are tied in part to the manufacturer: Lion Electric filed for bankruptcy and the buyer reportedly does not intend to operate U.S. facilities. The district said it is exploring alternatives and is scheduling July meetings with state and federal representatives to seek support.
Board action: trustees voted to approve the job descriptions and associated salary schedules; the memorandum of understanding for each position had already been signed by leadership and bargaining partners prior to the board vote. The board also directed the superintendent's cabinet to return with an update specifically on the electric-bus situation.
Ending: The board approved the personnel changes intended to reduce maintenance backlogs and improve fleet support; district staff will report back with a dedicated update on electric bus procurement and service options.
