Board approves purchase of four 77‑passenger buses to reduce cancellations and shuttling

The Clarkston Community School District Board approved the purchase of four additional 77‑passenger buses, administrators said, to reduce the district's need to borrow buses from partner districts and to avoid last‑minute cancellations of field trips and athletic trips.

Mr. Lucido, speaking for district operations, described repeated instances when the district had to prioritize runs and cancel planned trips because of limited spare buses. "We need these buses. ... we're very fortunate to have enough bus drivers to even cover all these runs," he said. District staff said they will use installment payments and a historical buy‑back arrangement with the lender; they will solicit bank bids for the interest rate and bring a final financing resolution back to the board.

Board members asked how the purchase would affect the general fund. A trustee noted the cost is significant but staff said the current budget can absorb the purchase. "It is a lot of money, a half a million dollars from the general fund," a board member observed; administrators replied that they had evaluated timing and believe the purchase is necessary for operational efficiency and that they will not need to make cuts elsewhere.

Staff said the board's approval at this meeting authorizes procurement so the district can begin the financing process; a later meeting will include the actual financing resolution after interest rates are obtained and a bank selected.

The motion to approve the purchase was made, supported and approved on a voice vote.