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Board approves GPS tracking app for buses; contractor to fund camera upgrades with route fee
Summary
The board agreed to buy a bus‑tracking app for families and asked the district transportation contractor to pay for upgraded on‑bus security cameras with a modest per‑route fee for the remaining two years of the contract.
The Waunakee Community School District will pay for a GPS-based bus‑tracking app for families next school year, and the board approved a plan asking the district’s transportation contractor to fund upgraded onboard security cameras with a route fee for the remainder of the current contract.
District staff and the budget committee reviewed options from contractor Lamers, including a district‑owned option and a contractor‑owned option. The committee recommended the district purchase the parent‑facing tracking app, which will not badge students individually but will allow parents to see bus locations. The district will own that app and pay the cost.
For security cameras, the committee recommended that Lamers make the capital investment and add a modest fee to daily route costs for the remaining two years of the contract. The board also discussed reallocating savings from canceling a district Zoom subscription (about $18,000) to help fund the app and part of the camera costs. District staff and the contractor will finalize pricing and implementation scheduling.
Board discussion noted the board previously extended Lamers’ contract through the year the new middle school opens to provide continuity; the committee said that extension does not preclude a future RFP when the board again examines transportation procurement.
The board voted to approve the committee recommendation by voice vote; staff will proceed with the app purchase and negotiate camera installation and fee details with Lamers.
