Shoreline transportation mechanics earn 100% on Washington State Patrol inspections

The Shoreline School District recognized its transportation mechanics after the district’s fleet passed the Washington State Patrol’s full inspections for the 2024–25 school year with a 100% pass rate, and then received 100% again on a recent surprise inspection of 16 buses.

Transportation Director Susan Scorianz said the inspections examine braking systems, lights, suspension, steering components, exhaust, tires and other items “nuts and bolts, front to back” and that the district’s mechanics achieved a rare result. Scorianz said the mechanics provide safe transportation for about 6,000 students daily and maintain roughly 74 buses; the group’s attention to detail saves the district money by catching issues before the district pays for repairs.

Scorianz named the five mechanics on the video feed and thanked them for reliability and a positive attitude; those cited included Doug Cunningham, Joe Gharafa and Nick Garafa. She said two new Bluebird buses recently arrived and the mechanics inspected them thoroughly, producing detailed write‑ups that will hold the manufacturer accountable for defects and spare district expense. Scorianz also related an example of on‑route problem solving: a mechanic who was driving a route located a stolen boom truck and helped recover it without a loss to the district.

Board members and the superintendent thanked the transportation team for work that is often unseen, noting that buses are a daily lifeline for many students.

No action was required; the recognition was presented as an informational celebration.