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Daniel Loza, Garage Star

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While operating the machinery that lifts school buses high enough for inspection, Daniel Loza said, “I'm working on the same buses that I rode to school every day. It brings me joy to be able to work on them and see the younger generations take those same buses.” 

​As a JUSD heavy-duty mechanic/service coordinator, safety is Mr. Loza’s top priority. He is responsible for the state-required inspections of school buses and maintaining them for students to safely ride. 

Daniel Loza using machinery to lift school bus
Mr. Loza’s commitment to his job led him to be one of 10 “Garage Star” 2023 finalists for the national publication, School Transportation News. “I never thought that I would be named a garage star,” Mr. Loza said about his recognition. “That makes me re​ally happy and it motivates me.”

This is not the first time Mr. Loza has been recognized for his hard work. In January of the 2022-2023 school year, he was named Best of the Best by his peers for his dedication to the Transportation Department and the District. 

Daniel Loza working on a school busThe motivation to pursue a career in the automotive industry started when he was a Jurupa Valley High School student. Richard Leach, a CTE automotive pathway teacher at JVHS, inspired Mr. Loza to seek a position in the industry and find a way to give back to his community. When Mr. Leach informed him of an open substitute position with JUSD, he knew he found the right opportunity.

Mr. Loza started as a substitute light-duty mechanic while continuing his education at the Universal Technical Institute. He eventually became a full-time employee after graduating and strives to improve every day to leave his footprint on JUSD.

When speaking of his team, Mr. Loza said they are the biggest highlight of his job. The respect, positive attitude, and relationships that Transportation Department team members have with each other have helped him succeed. Said Mr. Loza, “[My team is] one of the best things that I feel happy to have and am really lucky to have.”

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