Board approves sole‑source purchase of 14‑passenger mini school bus for roughly $97,006; split with activity fund

A staff member asked the board for permission to purchase a 14‑passenger mini school bus as a sole‑source purchase because the vehicle had been de‑listed from state contract and was likely to become available soon. Staff said district procurement via the state contract would incur a 10– to 12‑month waiting period; buying sole‑source would allow the district to take immediate delivery of the unit currently available.

Staff presented features of the bus: steel‑safety seating, LED lighting, three‑point seat belts, backup camera, runs on unleaded gasoline and has an estimated 15 miles per gallon. The bus seats 14 per the legislation cited; the vehicle can carry up to 18 in certain configurations but the district noted the 14‑seat configuration meets legal requirements and provides room for coach equipment.

Staff said the purchase price is $97,006.41 and that the district plans to split payment between activity (athletics/activities) funds and capital funds, described in the presentation as a roughly 60/40 split with the activity fund paying the larger share and having primary use priority for the bus. Board members discussed anticipated heavy demand for the vehicle because it does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) under recent legislation, meaning a coach or teacher could legally drive it.

A motion to approve the purchase was made and seconded; the chair called for the vote and the motion carried.

Ending: Staff said the bus will be used for small groups, CTE programs and activity travel, and will reduce the district’s reliance on multiple vans while providing safety improvements over existing vehicles.