Calvert County School Board approves eight new bus contracts for FY 2025

During the Calvert County Public Schools Board of Education meeting on April 10, 2025, the board discussed the approval of eight bus contracts for the upcoming fiscal year. These contracts are not new but are intended to replace aging buses that have reached the end of their 12-year lifespan. The director of transportation presented the contracts, which include services from various contractors such as Bishop Bus Service and Hutchins Bus Service, among others.

The board's approval is necessary for any purchases exceeding $25,000, in accordance with district policy. The contracts cover essential transportation services, including the provision of GPS and video surveillance equipment, which are considered property of the school system. The discussion highlighted the financial structure of these contracts, where bus contractors are compensated based on mileage and receive additional payments for sick leave and operational fees.

Board members raised questions about the nature of the contracts, clarifying that the bus contractors are classified as independent contractors. However, the school system manages their work schedules and pay structures. This distinction is crucial for understanding the operational dynamics between the school system and the contractors.

The meeting also touched on the historical context of bus driver benefits, noting that sick leave provisions were established in the late 1990s to address tensions between contractors and drivers. The board discussed the efficiency of contracting versus owning buses, with insights shared about studies indicating that owning buses could be more cost-effective in the long run, despite the significant upfront costs involved.

In conclusion, the board unanimously approved the bus contracts, ensuring that Calvert County Public Schools can maintain reliable transportation for students. The decision reflects ongoing efforts to balance operational efficiency with the financial realities of managing a large fleet of school buses. As the school system continues to evaluate its transportation model, the discussions from this meeting will likely inform future decisions regarding bus ownership and contracting practices.