Board renews five‑year transportation contract with Durham School Services amid cost and inflation concerns

The Elkhorn Area School District board voted to approve an updated contract with Durham School Services for student transportation after district staff reported the updated agreement reflects route consolidations that produced savings despite an increase in per‑route rates. District representatives said the arrangement was renewed for an additional five years but that either party may terminate with notice (the transcript records less than a year’s notice but does not state the exact number of days). Staff explained that collapsing several midday and special‑education routes reduced service runs and that, although Durham increased rates by roughly $41 per route from the prior year, the district still realized an estimated $62,000 in savings compared with maintaining the prior routing configuration. Earlier, year‑to‑year savings had been estimated at approximately $154,000 before the rate adjustment and route changes. Board members raised broader concerns about annual percentage increases (3–4 percent typically) compounding over time and the district’s limited ability to cap inflationary cost drivers such as transportation, utilities and health insurance. Staff said the district can rebid services and that owning and operating a district fleet would not eliminate inflationary pressures on wages and replacement costs. After discussion a motion to approve the Durham contract as presented was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.