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Board approves replacement bus for totaled vehicle; trustees discuss propane grants and fleet strategy
Summary
The Centennial School District board awarded a bid for a 30‑passenger bus to replace a vehicle totaled in a collision, approving a net cost of $79,975 after insurance; trustees and staff discussed propane bus grants, upfront costs and fleet replacement timing.
The Centennial School District Board on Jan. 28 approved the purchase of a new Chevrolet Thomas 30‑passenger bus to replace a vehicle that was totaled in a collision. The district's gross cost for the replacement was reported as not to exceed $105,735, with a net cost after insurance payment of $79,975.
Nut graf: Trustees debated vehicle type and long‑term fleet strategy. Staff and trustees noted the district has applied for a grant to replace buses older than 2010 with propane vehicles; propane buses carry higher upfront costs but can yield savings over time and environmental benefits. Because the replacement bus was needed immediately and the diesel vehicle was the only unit available in the bid, the district approved a diesel replacement for timely service.
Board discussion and clarifications
- Replacement and urgency: the board heard that the bus had been rear‑ended and totaled, creating a need to replace capacity promptly; trustees said they could not wait for grant timelines.
- Fuel and grant context: trustees and staff discussed a separate grant that would subsidize propane replacements for older vehicles (the district said it submitted a grant to replace buses older than 2010). Board members were told propane buses cost more initially but can save money over time if the district phases them into the fleet.
- Availability constrained decision: the board was told the bid process returned a single available vehicle (a diesel bus), limiting options for a propane purchase when replacement was urgent.
Outcome and next steps: the bid award to Rural Bus Sales passed unanimously. Transportation staff will proceed with the acquisition and continue pursuing grant funding and a longer‑term fleet‑replacement strategy that may include propane vehicles as grant and budget conditions permit.
