School board approves $1.12 million bus purchase and two passenger vans to update district fleet

The Stevens Point Area Public School District approved two transportation purchases after discussion of fleet needs, trade‑in values and long‑term costs.

Business Services Committee Chair Ted Kowalski summarized the recommendation to replace buses under the district’s roughly six‑year replacement schedule. The board approved the purchase of eleven 2025 Type C conventional 72‑passenger diesel buses with exterior luggage compartments from Ascendance Truck Centers of Marshfield, Wisconsin, at a net cost of $1,122,250 after trade‑in credits. The recommendation was to finance the purchase by lease over six years with annual payments estimated at about $210,468, allowing for bid or interest adjustments. Kowalski said the district rotates buses to manage warranty, maintenance and trade‑in value; the board was told the current fleet comprises about 72 buses.

Board members asked how the lease interacts with state aid and district borrowing. Dr. Owens (district staff) explained the district does not have to borrow annually to make payments on the lease and that the bus purchases are eligible for state aid that will reimburse roughly half of the cost. The presenters said the current interest estimate was 4.67%; staff noted the district could consider refinancing if rates fall substantially, but refinancing costs would have to be large enough to justify the short payoff period.

The board also approved buying a mobility van (wheelchair lift equipped) and a seven‑passenger non‑CDL van to handle smaller, specialized transport needs. Dr. Owens and transportation staff presented quotes for the mobility van ranging from about $82,799 to $102,000 and said the district would offset the mobility van cost with proceeds from the sale of two reserve buses plus a $16,500 credit from a recent sale, yielding roughly $91,500 applied toward the purchase. The seven‑passenger van quoted at about $39,000 would be used where a CDL‑licensed bus is unnecessary; staff presented a fuel and labor payback analysis estimating the van’s operating savings compared with using a 72‑passenger bus, noting payback would vary depending on how many students ride.

Nut graf: The purchases aim to maintain safe, warranty‑covered vehicles on a multi‑year rotation while creating smaller, lower‑cost transport options for routes or trips that do not require a full school bus. Board members emphasized driver availability and state aid eligibility in the discussion.

Board action: Motions to approve both the eleven‑bus purchase (lease financing over six years) and the mobility/7‑passenger van purchases carried; motions were made and seconded on the record and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Staff said the bus deliveries are timed to be available for service in August 2025 and that the district will continue to monitor mileage and trade‑in timing to preserve warranty and resale value.