School bus contract talks put transportation plans and parent-responsibility zones in flux

Dr. Sullivan, superintendent, and Brian Runyon updated the Health and Education Committee on April 29 about ongoing transportation negotiations that could change how students are routed and who provides bus service.

Sullivan said the school board last week offered contractors a contract package that includes a 17% increase in the first year, followed by 2.5% increases in subsequent years and insurance adjustments. “Board last week, as all of you know, had offered 17% and then a 2 and a half, 2 and a half, 2 and a half, and $4,000 for insurance,” Sullivan said. District figures discussed at the meeting put the first-year cost at roughly $4.6 million; the second-year increase was identified as $794,000 plus insurance, and the four-year total was described in discussion as about $12 million over four years.

Sullivan told commissioners the district expected transportation service to continue through the next Thursday while negotiations proceed. He said insurance coverage is the main sticking point for several contractors and that some carriers have said they will not operate without changes to insurance terms. The county and school system have not finalized whether contracted transportation will be covered under county liability insurance; Sullivan said that would have to go through county risk management.

Because of the uncertainty, the district is pausing further action on a parent responsibility zone (PRZ) proposal and plans additional study. Sullivan described the PRZ concept as a model used elsewhere—citing Clarksville-Montgomery as an example—and said the district would map areas where PRZs make sense, excluding areas that require crossing four lanes of traffic or lack sidewalks. He cautioned that if contractors decline to sign for next year, a de facto PRZ could result where the district cannot provide bus service to some areas.

Sullivan also said the district may need contingency plans, including purchasing 8–10 buses and hiring drivers if contractors refuse to sign. He said the system does not want to become a bus operator long term but must plan to keep students getting to school. Board discussions also touched on routing adjustments such as reducing the number of stops and potential cost and liability trade-offs of hub stops.

Separately, district leaders discussed enrollment stability for English-language learners and an anticipated $8–$10 million operating deficit for the coming budget; the district plans additional budget workshops and will present a fuller budget to the commission. Commissioners and school staff thanked contractors and county staff for recent cooperation as negotiations continued.