The Freetown-Lakeville School Committee convened on April 25, 2018, to discuss a proposal aimed at enhancing special education transportation services. The meeting focused on the need to update the aging fleet of vehicles currently used for transporting students with special needs, which have been noted to have higher mileage and older models than preferred.

The proposal outlined a plan to contract out eight of the fourteen special education routes to Vanpool, a transportation company with a strong presence in the region. This decision is expected to improve the quality of service while also addressing long-term cost concerns associated with maintaining an aging fleet. The current vehicles, while safe and regularly inspected, are not ideal for the demands of special education transportation.

The committee emphasized that the primary goal of this transition is to maintain high-quality service for students, many of whom travel significant distances to attend school. The proposal includes a three-year contract with Vanpool, which offers a daily rate of $245. This arrangement is anticipated to yield savings in subsequent years, as the costs will be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Boston area, without a fuel escalator.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions about the potential impact on current drivers. It was noted that Vanpool would interview existing drivers who wish to continue working, with the hope of retaining a majority of them. The committee acknowledged the importance of employee retention and the need to ensure that drivers are familiar with the students and their families.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of moving forward with the proposal, which is set to take effect on July 1, pending approval. The committee expressed optimism about the long-term benefits of this transition, both in terms of service quality and financial savings. Further monitoring of the implementation will be necessary to assess its effectiveness and address any emerging concerns.