Board asks for vehicle inventory and explores moving bus parking closer to Shenston area

HARRISON COUNTY — Board members spent a lengthy portion of the meeting discussing school transportation logistics, including whether buses operating in the Shenston area should be based nearer to that service area to reduce mileage, and whether the district has excess county vehicles that could be reduced or better monitored.

A board member described current runs that require drivers to travel from a Shenston-area drop location to the main bus garage and then back later in the day, saying the pattern increases fuel use and driver time. The member suggested returning buses serving Shenston and nearby routes to a closer terminal to reduce deadhead miles.

Administration said the district should first verify whether it still owns particular parcels and facilities in the area; it also noted that any terminal changes would require a financial analysis, including whether drivers would be paid for extra moves and whether the change would affect scheduling for extracurricular trips.

The board asked for a comprehensive inventory of county vehicles, titles and insurance status and for a report that shows who is assigned which vehicle, why they have it, and what driving patterns are. Jim (staff member) agreed to assemble that list. Several members recommended investigating GPS tracking and monthly usage reports to quantify possible fuel and maintenance savings.

Separately, the board was told interviews for the bus maintenance supervisor position were scheduled for the following week; administration said four candidates qualified to interview. Board members characterized the transportation and vehicle review as a potential cost-saving effort and asked administration to return with numbers and a recommended course of action.

Ending — Administration will provide a vehicle inventory and usage analysis and report back with options for potential depot relocations and fleet reductions.