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District to cost‑share bus‑tracking app after vendor enhancements, board recommends returning software to families
Summary
After new hardware and functionality were demonstrated, the district recommended paying one‑third of the bus‑tracking software cost (about $11,000) so families can retain tracking features while the contractor covers two‑thirds of the expense.
The Sparta Area School District recommended on April 14 that the board return bus‑tracking software service for families effective July 1, 2025, with the district paying roughly one‑third of the tool’s annual cost.
Miss Houser told the board that earlier budget discussions had proposed removing the service to save about $34,000. After the February decision staff and vendor meetings revealed an enhancement package (including iPads for buses and routing improvements) that increased operational value for the district’s contractor, Southwest. Southwest proposed absorbing two‑thirds of the cost and asked the district to contribute a one‑third share covering family‑facing features; Miss Houser said the district’s portion would be about $11,000 per year.
Board members asked whether the arrangement was a one‑year trial and the district said the contractor had proposed an ongoing cost‑share “for the foreseeable future.” The board moved the recommendation to return the bus‑tracking software to the full board on consent.
If approved at the full board, families will regain access to live bus‑tracking features and the district and contractor will implement iPads and upgraded routing tools to improve substitute driver management and safety.
The board approved the recommendation to forward the item to the full board under consent.
