RSU 40 updates on bus driver hiring and replacement of state-funded routing software
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Summary
Staff reported progress on filling bus driver and mechanic positions, outlined a 4–6 week estimate for newly permitted drivers to reach the road, and said the district must plan to replace the state-funded Transfinder routing system, with an estimated $40,000 outfitting cost for on-vehicle hardware and recurring software fees.
District staff provided an update on transportation staffing and software. Staff reported recent hires—a main custodian and a van driver—and said one mechanic (identified as Corey Davis) started recently. On bus drivers, staff said one candidate recently obtained a permit and another is scheduled to retest a failed section; staff estimated it will take roughly four to six weeks from permit issuance for a new candidate to obtain a commercial driver's license and be active on routes.
Staff also briefed the board that the state will stop paying for the district's Transfinder routing software at the end of the fiscal year, and that the district should prepare to procure a replacement. The packet discussed alternatives such as BusRide (used by about 40 districts in the state) and other modern routing and parent-notification systems. Staff said on-vehicle hardware and initial setup could total around $40,000 and that there are recurring licensing or service fees; some districts use third-party monitoring or a district-run approach for annual reporting obligations tied to route monitoring.
Staff demonstrated examples of features the district values: GPS tracking for live bus location, parent notification of delays, and tablet-based driver interfaces. Board members and staff discussed trade-offs between district-controlled access to tracking versus parental access and emphasized that the buildings/schools would monitor buses for daily operations.
No formal action was taken; staff requested authority to continue vendor demonstrations, collect quotes, and return with a procurement recommendation and cost breakout for board review.