THE MEN BEHIND THE BUS! Meet the Plain Local Schools Mechanics

Meet Mitchell Garcia, Jim Pucci and Gavin Brown. You may not know these gentleman, but they are an integral part of each and every school day here in Plain Local Schools. Get to know our district mechanics better below!

Jp Gb

What is a typical day like in your position?

MG: A typical day would be, coming in and looking at what the bus drivers write up and fixing all the little problems first such as brake lights, headlights, etc. After that we would typically start servicing the buses making sure that they are all in the safest running condition.

JP: Arrive before 4:30 am to open up the building and make sure everything is ready for the day, deal with any problems that may arise and plan the workload for the day. I also assist drivers in preparing for morning routes.

GB: We are very busy at the bus garage on any given day. We usually have several school buses to service and repair, from simple fixes to complex issues. We work together to tackle problems and analyze symptoms to diagnose district vehicles and keep them safe and on the road.

What is your favorite part of your job?

MG: My favorite part is just working with the guys in the shop. We get stuff done but also have fun and help each other when one of us can’t figure something out.

JP: The satisfaction of knowing that our students are all getting to and from school safely.

GB: I’d say my favorite part of being a mechanic for Plain Local is repairing items for drivers. I like being able to help them keep their buses in tip-top shape.

What is one thing you wish people knew about Plain Local Schools or your specific position?

MG: I wish people would understand how much actually goes on and how much work it takes for the buses to run and get their children home safely and efficiently.

JP: How much work we do behind the scenes to ensure safety and the appearance of our vehicles in the district!

GB: I would like people to know how demanding our work is, not only in the bus garage, but in the district as a whole. We put in a lot of time and labor to keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Plain Township community?

MG: My favorite thing would be the community and how we can come together and work together to support something like a sports team or solve a problem to get the best solution.

JP: I grew up, graduated and reside here now. I enjoy the closeness of the community and pride of Eagle Nation.

GB: I really enjoy interacting with students and others around Plain. We are lucky to have such a good-natured group of people living in Plain Township!

What is one thing you are proud of that has come out the COVID pandemic:

JP: The way we as a district were able to cope with the situation and persevere.

GB: I am proud of how well the staff in Plain Local utilize teamwork to make sure all our students are taken care of and well protected.

If you could share one piece of advice to Plain Local students, what would it be?

MG: This is a quote I live by – it’s true and is all about keeping a positive mindset and on moving forward no matter what happens or what happened. “No matter the amount of negativity you’re presented with, five minutes from now could be your best moment.” –Mod Sun.

JP: Respect your bus driver and the bus, these are a privilege to you as a public school student, and take your schoolwork seriously and always follow your dreams to become a productive adult.

GB: I would advise current Plain Local students to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. We offer numerous extra-curricular activities and have excellent career technical programs that can give students an edge in the job market after graduating high school or applying to college.

If you are not at work, what can you be found doing?

MG: Playing my guitar or listening to music on a hike somewhere.

JP: Working in my yard or on my cars and enjoying time with family and friends.

GB: Usually when I’m not at work, I’m wrenching on projects at home. I have a couple vehicles I’m currently working on, and I recently purchased my house which has presented me with several more projects that need taken care of!

Final thoughts or anything else you would like to share?

JP: I appreciate and am thankful for the 42 years I’ve had at Plain Local. I’ve met and remain friends with many people who are and were instrumental in my life. I started as a high school graduate and have spent many years here doing what I love! Go Eagles!

GB: I am very proud to be a mechanic for Plain Local Schools. I would like to thank my co-workers and those with whom I have worked over the past several years. I have learned a lot from several Plain Local employees who have helped me get to this point in my career. Go Eagles!