Durham School Services maintenance supervisor named STN Garage Star finalist

Brady Bentlin, a maintenance supervisor at Durham School Services in Carol Stream, Illinois, was named a School Transportation News Garage Star finalist on Aug. 6, 2026. The recognition spotlights his rapid rise in student transportation and his role in keeping school buses safe and reliable.

Why it matters: - The STN Garage Stars program recognizes school bus maintenance professionals whose work supports student safety and dependable transportation. - Bentlin’s selection highlights the critical role maintenance teams play in keeping fleets operating safely across school districts.

What happened: - Brady Bentlin, maintenance supervisor at Durham School Services’ Carol Stream, Illinois location, was named a School Transportation News Garage Star finalist on Aug. 6, 2026. - Bentlin is one of 10 finalists selected from more than 100 nominations. - The finalists appear in the August 2026 issue of STN’s magazine.

The details: - STN’s annual Garage Stars recognition honors school bus maintenance professionals for contributions to the student transportation industry and student safety. - Honorees were selected for industry advancement, leadership, experience, community involvement and related criteria. - Bentlin began working in student transportation in 2025, first as a technician at Durham School Services and then as a maintenance supervisor in less than a year. - Bentlin said he was drawn to the industry by the chance to support the community and make a positive impact on student safety. - As maintenance supervisor, Bentlin manages two locations and helps ensure technicians have the parts, tools, resources and direction needed to maintain safe and reliable bus operations. - Bentlin is a double ASE Master Technician and is working toward becoming a triple ASE Master Technician. - Bentlin said the recognition motivates him to keep learning and work hard. - Bentlin said Durham’s support and training opportunities have helped him develop his professional skills and knowledge.

Between the lines: - Bentlin’s fast promotion points to a workforce culture that can reward technical skill and leadership quickly. - The award also reflects the growing visibility of maintenance staff in student transportation, not just drivers and operations leaders. - Wayne Skinner, senior vice president of fleet and procurement at Durham School Services, said Bentlin has shown exceptional leadership, growth, technical expertise and dedication. - Skinner said Bentlin’s commitment to safety and dependability helps keep the fleet operating at a high standard. - Bentlin said Durham’s people help each other regardless of position and work together toward the same goal. - Bentlin advised people entering the industry to be patient, work hard consistently and never stop learning.

What's next: - Bentlin said he wants to keep learning and become a better person and employee every day. - Durham is directing job seekers to open opportunities in their area through available opportunities. - The Garage Stars recognition will continue to spotlight maintenance professionals in future STN coverage.

The bottom line: - Bentlin’s finalist spot underscores how school bus maintenance work can shape safety, reliability and career growth at the same time.