Keeping the Wheels Going Round: A Peek Inside the Garfield Re-2 Mechanic's Garage

In the heart of the Garfield Re-2 School District, where safety meets precision, a dedicated team of mechanics works tirelessly to keep the wheels of education turning. With a fleet of 87 vehicles, including 32 big buses, 10 small buses, six activity buses, 19 maintenance trucks, and a variety of other essential vehicles, the responsibility on their shoulders is enormous. Yet, for Fleet Manager Lenord Kuper and his team, perfection isn’t just the goal—it’s the standard.

“Our job is to make sure that every vehicle is as perfect as it can be,” says Samantha Silvius, one of the four members of this tight-knit team. Alongside Lenord, Juan Muy Salvatierra, and Greg Lippoldt, Samantha ensures that each piece of equipment is ready to go, no matter the challenge.

Before the school year begins, the team is already hard at work, meticulously preparing the buses that transport children safely to and from school. “We work on addressing everything that needs to be fixed from the end of the previous year,” explains Lenord, who has been with the district for over two decades. “Every driver lets us know what needs attention, and we try to get through every bus.”

The variety of vehicles they maintain presents its own set of challenges. Juan, who specializes in smaller vehicles and buses, often deals with the wear and tear that comes with heavy-duty work. These trucks carry tools, haul furniture, and even plow snow in the winter. The extra stress of the snow plow places a lot of stress on the front end.

“Juan has become an expert at fixing the front ends, not only replacing parts but in some cases, completely rebuilding them,” bragged Lenord.

But for these mechanics, the diversity of tasks is part of what makes the job enjoyable. From replacing heaters to fixing emergency buzzers, no two days are the same. 

“We work hard to make sure our buses are safe for the kids,” Samantha adds, reflecting the team’s commitment to their community.

A Second Family

For Juan, who started as a bus driver before becoming a mechanic, the job is more than just work—it’s family.

 “I love kids, and this place has become my second family,” he shares. “I’m happy every day because I get to work in an environment where I can learn and grow, surrounded by people who support me.”

Greg, who previously worked in the oil fields, echoes this sentiment.

 “The teamwork here is incredible,” he says. “Everyone is on the same page, and no one is left to fend for themselves. We all help each other out.”

Samantha, one of the few women in the field, also feels a deep connection to her work. 

“When I first started, there weren’t many women doing this job - there still aren’t,” she recalls. “But I’ve learned so much over the years, and it’s been great to see how everyone here is willing to teach and support each other.”

Lenord, the seasoned veteran of the team, takes pride in watching his team members grow. “It’s amazing to see how far they’ve come,” he says. “Whether it’s Juan learning how to rebuild a front end or Greg mastering the electronics on a bus, there’s always something new to learn.”

As the school year gets underway, the Garfield Re-2 mechanics remain the unsung heroes behind the scenes, ensuring that every bus and vehicle is in top condition. Their dedication and expertise keep the district running smoothly, one perfectly maintained vehicle at a time.

And in a district where every day brings a new challenge—whether it’s a turkey colliding with a bus antenna or finding pencils lodged behind heaters—the team meets each one with the same unwavering commitment. Because for the Garfield Re-2 mechanics, it’s not just about fixing vehicles; it’s about keeping their community safe, supported, and moving forward.