Martin County renews school-bus transportation agreement for summer and after-school camps; grant covers 75% of rides

Martin County commissioners unanimously approved a one-year renewal on May 6 of an interlocal transportation agreement with the Martin County School Board to provide school-bus service for after-school and summer camp programs in multiple communities.

Savannah Richmond, recreation administrator for Martin County Parks and Recreation, told the board the contract covers transportation for approximately 240 children across the summer program (about 10 weeks) and allows kids to attend community activities including water-safety and "learn to swim" lessons at Sailfish Splash Waterpark. "Drivers are background screened via the Martin County School District. School buses are equipped with safety features that meet state and federal safety standards," Richmond said. She added that 75 percent of the transportation services are paid with grant-match dollars awarded by the Children's Services Council of Martin County.

Commissioners asked staff about unit costs and safety. Parks director Kevin Abate confirmed the department estimated the average trip cost at $1.85 and that school buses provide cost-efficiency and driver training advantages compared with private charter options. Commissioner Vargas emphasized the fingerprinting and vehicle-safety standards and noted some participants are scholarship recipients; Richmond said camp programming includes both scholarship and fee-paying participants.

The item passed as part of the consent agenda; the board voted to approve the consent agenda unanimously. Staff said the grant match was budgeted previously and the partnership is intended to expand access and safety for camp participants.