Board hears case to fund bus replacements as district faces long lead times and rising costs

The Newington Board of Education heard details Feb. 12 on the district's bus replacement cycle and transportation operations, with staff asking the town to fund forthcoming vehicle purchases.

What administrators said: Lou and transportation staff said the town last funded the replacement cycle in the 2022-23 budget year. Because of industry price escalation and parts lead times, the administration requests funding to cover next year's buses at an estimated $737,003.64; staff described the $488,725 figure as a prior cost that has since escalated.

Procurement and timing issues: Officials said buses and parts have long lead times (buses ordered in 2023 arriving in 2024; parts may still be waiting installation) and that electric buses remain far more expensive and require additional infrastructure. The district's replacement cycle is longer than industry averages, staff said, and the district has on occasion used town capital or other accounts (Garfield Street renovation funds or leftover capital) to purchase buses when direct operating funding was not provided.

Transportation operations: The transportation unit runs a mixed union and nonunion driver model (22 union drivers, about 32 nonunion drivers currently) and two mechanics. With route expansion for preschool and special-education services, the district's daily runs increased from about 41 to 48. Staff said they would like to hire several more nonunion drivers for bench capacity and noted about $70,000 of the budget pressure was driven by special-education transportation needs.

Costs and repairs: The district contracts some heavy repair and maintenance work outside its shop; the budget includes fuel, tires, and parts, with staff reporting a significant increase in the cost of tires and some growth in fuel demand tied to added runs. Administrators said they continue to compare owning buses to leasing or contracting and consider ownership more cost-effective despite capital pressures.

Board follow-up: Staff said they will continue to refine the bus replacement request and ensure the Feb. 19 budget adoption reflects final procurement needs.