Transportation update: Beverly schools report late runs, aging vans and request to finance replacements

Beverly Public Schools reported operational strain in its transportation system at the Oct. 8 School Committee meeting, citing aging vans, a shortage of spares and increased late student move‑ins that have contributed to late arrivals at Beverly Middle School.

Superintendent Kenan McKenzie DeFranza briefed the committee on the fleet: 50 vehicles in total, including 24 full‑size buses, 11 minibuses, 10 vans, three three‑quarter buses and two service vehicles. He said the vans — which are critical to special‑education and intra‑district runs — range in model years from about 2012 to 2023 and that parts for older vans can be difficult to source, lengthening repair times.

District staff described nine routes that rely on smaller vans and said they currently have only one spare van available. Two mechanics (one full time and one part time) maintain the fleet. The superintendent said the district is seeking quotes on replacement vehicles and noted a MicroBird model preferred by staff carries an estimated state‑contract price of about $110,000.

DeFranza also said the transportation department has adjusted pickup points for some elementary students and increased staff presence in school lobbies during arrivals to reduce students’ time in lines when buses run late. He noted about 30 late move‑ins this fall have added pressure to routing and vehicle assignments.

The district will explore financing options — including short‑term financing over three to five years — for two replacement vans and will request cost estimates for more conventional vans as an alternative to the MicroBird. The committee did not vote on vehicle purchases but asked staff to bring quotes and financing options to a future Finance and Facilities meeting for consideration as part of capital planning.