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Board approves $2.66 million transportation proposition to replace and add pupil-transport vehicles
Summary
The board authorized a voter proposition authorizing up to $2,660,048 for student-transportation vehicle purchases; the motion passed unanimously March 10. Presentation said the purchase would replace aging vehicles and add capacity to bring more routes in‑house.
The Wappingers Central School District Board of Education voted unanimously March 10 to place a transportation proposition on the May 20 ballot that would authorize a maximum estimated $2,660,048 for purchase of student-transportation vehicles and related expenses.
The resolution, moved by Trustee Marie Johnson and seconded by Trustee Peggy Kellen, directs the board to submit the proposition to the district’s qualified voters at the annual budget vote.
Why it matters: district leaders said the measure will allow the district to replace aging vehicles, add new vehicles to reduce subcontracted routes and expand district-operated transportation — a priority the superintendent described as a multi-year effort to bring more routes in-house.
Details from the presentation
- Proposition amount and vote: The ballot question authorizes purchases up to a maximum estimated sum of $2,660,048. The board approved placing the question on the May 20 ballot by unanimous roll call (motion: Marie Johnson; second: Peggy Kellen).
- Fleet changes described: In the presentation staff said the district currently operates 252 vehicles and, if the proposition is approved and purchases proceed as described, the fleet could increase to 261 vehicles. Presenters described plans to retire a number of older vehicles, replace 12 vehicles, and add nine new vehicles to address shifting enrollment and special‑needs routing requirements.
- Estimated fiscal impact: The superintendent and finance staff said the bus-purchase proposition would result in a net cost to the district of approximately $42,400 starting in the 2026–27 school year. The administration explained the district uses a 5-year revolving bus purchase bond plan that keeps annual payments relatively consistent year to year.
Board and trustee comments
Trustees praised the district’s in-house transportation program and noted that replacing older vehicles keeps maintenance and operating costs manageable. Trustee Peggy Kellen stressed safety and the value of district oversight of drivers and training. Trustee John Morgan noted that buying buses to convert routes currently subcontracted to vendors will reduce outside payments over time.
Votes at a glance
- Transportation proposition (vehicle purchase): motion by Marie Johnson; second Peggy Kellen; result: unanimous approval to submit to voters.
Ending
The proposition will appear on the district ballot on May 20, 2025; if voters approve it, the district will proceed with vehicle purchases consistent with the authorization and financing mechanism explained by staff.
