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Board approves driver‑education vehicle lease; district to halve fleet at some schools amid higher demand
Summary
The board approved a driver‑education vehicle lease that will reduce cars per high‑school program from six to three due to funding and lease cost pressures; members urged staff to pursue more competitive RFP responses.
The Hillsborough County School Board on July 29 approved a request for proposal (RFP) contract to lease vehicles for the district’s driver‑education program, but members said funding trends and state requirements will reduce the number of cars available at some high schools.
Superintendent Ayers explained the lease provides fully equipped cars used in the district’s driver‑education classes, taught at all 29 high schools by state‑certified instructors. Member Combs and others said a new state law requiring a six‑hour safety course for 15‑ to 17‑year‑olds will increase demand for driver education at the same time the district faces higher lease costs. Combs noted the program will go from about six vehicles per high‑school program to three in some cases because of funding constraints, and urged transparency so principals and parents understand the change.
Member Rendon pressed staff about the RFP process after the item drew only a single response; Rendon asked the district to do more outreach to attract bidders and to evaluate alternative vehicle types with lower lease costs. Member Washington, a former driver‑education teacher, emphasized that fewer cars make in‑car instruction harder to deliver safely and recommended the district seek additional vehicles and staffing.
What the board did: the board approved the RFP award to provide driver education vehicles. The motion passed unanimously. Staff said they would continue to explore vendor outreach and alternative vehicle options to manage costs.
Clarifying details: district staff said the typical lease quoted about $548 per month per vehicle in the RFP summary; most districts historically have three cars per site but Hillsborough had been operating more in the past. The district said it will remain in compliance with state licensing requirements.
Next steps: staff will pursue broader vendor outreach for future solicitations and review vehicle types and lease terms to reduce long‑term costs and increase access to driver training.
