Transportation Board discusses $5M option for owning buses to reduce costs

The Elwood Union Free School District Board of Education meeting on December 12, 2024, focused on significant discussions regarding the district's transportation budget and the potential for purchasing buses.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns about the rising costs associated with contracted transportation services. One member highlighted that over a five-year contract, transportation costs had increased by over 30%. This prompted questions about the overall transportation budget, which was estimated to be around $5 million.

A proposal was raised to consider purchasing 17 buses outright, which would allow the district to take control of its transportation services and potentially mitigate future cost increases. The idea was to use the existing budget to finance the purchase, thereby reducing reliance on external companies that impose significant price hikes.

The discussion underscored the board's commitment to exploring options that could enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs for the district. As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the need for further analysis on the feasibility of this proposal and its implications for the district's financial planning.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges and ensuring fiscal responsibility within the district.