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Committee backs short-term bus lease for Le Cirque mentoring program
Summary
The Service and Transportation Committee recommended the board approve a short-term bus lease with Le Cirque mentoring program for June–December 2025, setting mileage reimbursement and requiring insurance and board approval of drivers.
The Service and Transportation Committee on April 15 recommended that the Terrebonne Parish School Board enter a lease agreement with the Le Cirque mentoring program to provide bus transportation from June 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025.
The recommended agreement would allow Le Cirque to use district buses during normal weekday operating hours. Mileage reimbursement is set at 50% of the cost of one gallon of fuel at the time of travel, with a minimum reimbursement of $2.50 per mile. The recommendation also requires that all insurance requirements be met and that bus drivers be paid as approved by the Terrebonne Parish School Board; the board president was authorized to sign related documents if the board approves the contract.
Bernadette Smith, identified as program director for Le Cirque, described the program as an after‑school mentoring and tutoring service that runs year‑round and operates seasonal camps. “We do two programs. We do one during the summer…we were just asking could we get the buses for transportation for us to bring the kids…to the pools and to the bowling alley,” Smith said.
An unnamed program coordinator for Le Cirque told the committee the buses are important for giving at‑risk children field trip opportunities they might otherwise miss. Committee member Mr. Harding praised the program, saying it gives students activities and learning experiences they otherwise might not have.
Board member Mr. Ford noted the district’s summer feeding sites — listed in the meeting as Acadian on the east side and Legion Park on the west side — and suggested coordinating transportation to those sites when appropriate. Committee members also clarified the lease does not override the board’s usual oversight: use is conditioned on meeting insurance and other school board policy requirements and principal approval for any school site uses.
Motion to recommend the lease came from Mr. Harding and was seconded in committee; no public objections were recorded during the committee vote.
If the full board approves the recommended lease, the district would be required to track mileage and reimburse Le Cirque under the per‑mile formula in the recommendation.
