Board approves five‑year extension with Valley Bus LLC for student transportation

Bill (presenter) informed the Fargo Board of Education that district staff completed direct negotiations with Valley Bus LLC under provisions of the existing contract and North Dakota Century Code and asked the board to approve a five‑year extension effective July 1, 2025.

Board member Greg moved to approve the transportation contract; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call, 7–0. Greg asked whether the contract structure permits pursuit of routing efficiencies during the term. Bill said updated routing software includes an “optimize” function that the district can run and then review potential changes with Valley Bus.

Melissa (board member, negotiations) described increased collaboration between district staff and Valley Bus through monthly meetings and explained operational changes intended to reduce specialized‑transportation costs: placing at least two paraprofessionals on certain elementary routes to support students who might otherwise need specialized transport, and enhanced joint training so more students can safely ride regular routes.

Shelby and other staff are revising procedures for hand‑to‑hand drop‑off and other IEP‑related transportation details; Melissa said the district will stop using a waiver approach that allowed unattended drop‑offs and will instead require clearer documentation and communication within IEP meetings. Trustees recorded a unanimous vote to approve the contract extension.