Bill Alsko of Hopewell City Schools won the fourth annual Virginia Best School Bus Technician Competition on June 17 and qualified for the 10th “America’s Best School Bus Technician Training & Skills Competition” at Paccar.
Alsko, an ASE master school bus technician, received his award during a school board meeting last week. Hopewell is located about 25 miles southeast of Richmond on the banks of the St. James River.
“With all of the technology employed on today’s school buses, I believe training and certification are two of the most important aspects of our jobs,” Alsko said. “Training, to have the skills and knowledge to keep the buses safe and running, and certifications, such as ASE, to prove to employers that their mechanics possess these skills and knowledge.”
Alsko added that, “I have been fortunate to work in a school division that has supported me in any training I have requested.”
Robert Clinebell, chair of the “Best” competition, said eight technicians competed at the Chesterfield County Courthouse Bus Facility. The second place winner was Donald Ertel from Virginia Beach City Public Schools. The third place winner was Jason Sharpe from Henrico County.
Sponsors for the competition were Alan Tye & Associates, which provided lunch, as well as Kingmor Supply, Inc., and Sonny Merryman, Inc.
NAPT sponsors the annual America’s Best event, which also includes a skills and training competition for school bus inspectors. Other sponsors of the annual event include: Hydrotex, ASE, Zonar Systems, Delco Remy, Thomas Built Buses, Voith and Con Met. This year’s event sponsors include Cummins Northwest; Harlow’s Bus Sales, Inc.; Seon; Valley Freightliner, Inc.; Schetzky Bus and Van Sales; and Blue Bird.
Hosting this year alongside Paccar is the Washington Association for Pupil Transportation.
