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Board approves Tyler Technologies routing software to replace antiquated system
Summary
The board approved a contract with Tyler Technologies to provide modern student transportation routing software; staff said the new system will integrate with Skyward, improve route optimization, enable parent notifications and support future tablet/badge upgrades, though full hardware upgrades would require additional funding.
The Prosser School District board approved a Tyler Technologies contract to replace the district’s outdated routing software. Staff and transportation personnel said the new platform will integrate with the district’s student information system, enable route optimization, support parent notifications and provide a path for future upgrades such as tablets and student check-in badges.
Transportation staff described the existing system as antiquated and difficult to use. Jaime, a transportation staff member, said neighboring districts using Tyler told Prosser the software “really works good.” Staff explained the vendor would map district borders and import student addresses from Skyward so changes in enrollment automatically update routing. The system also offers parent-facing features such as notifications when a bus is delayed or the student is approaching the stop.
Staff said the base subscription was roughly in the range of the district’s previous routing costs but would provide a substantially improved product. They estimated an annual subscription in the approximate range of $8,000–$10,000 (staff said the new cost is “less than double what we’re paying before” but would buy a far superior product). An optional upgrade to tablets and card/badge readers for on-board check-in was discussed as a later phase; staff estimated that full upgrade could cost on the order of about $98,000, depending on scope. Staff emphasized phased implementation so the district can pay for the subscription from transportation allocation while pursuing grant or other funding for tablet hardware.
The board discussed privacy and operational concerns. Staff said the mapping tool pins addresses for stops and may include photos for GPS accuracy when group drop-offs require more precise instructions; staff said they would notify families before using images and would allow entering addresses if families prefer. Board members raised concerns about perceived intrusiveness and asked whether families could opt out of location services; staff said addresses can be entered manually and locations can be configured as group stops or street-corner pick-ups.
Staff also said the district must use its transportation allocation; the state reduces unspent transportation allocations in subsequent years, so the district prefers to use transportation funds for routing and other eligible expenses. Board members and staff discussed phasing the project and seeking safety/security grants or other funding for the hardware upgrade to tablets and badge systems.
The board approved the contract by voice vote. Staff said implementation work will include building the district map and importing student assignments; future phases may include bus tablets and card readers if funding can be found.
