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District reports transportation bids far above projection; committee to review alternatives
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Gosselin told the committee that four bids were received for transportation services and that the lowest responsible bid was about $1 million above the district projection; the transportation committee and a consultant will examine options including walking-distance policy changes.
Assistant Superintendent Gosselin reported to the Methuen School Committee on Jan. 27 that the district received four bids for transportation services; two bids were “complete” and the lowest responsible bid was roughly $1 million higher than the district projection for next year. Gosselin said the district will work with its transportation consultant and the internal Transportation Committee to examine alternatives and savings strategies.
Member DeZaglia urged the Transportation Committee to consider changing walk-to-school distance parameters to reduce routes and costs; he asked that the committee examine walking-distance changes as part of the cost-reduction discussion. Member Maxwell cautioned that any extension of walking distance must account for sidewalk availability and safety, noting some Methuen neighborhoods lack sidewalks.
Gosselin said the consultant will present ideas at the next Transportation Committee meeting and that staff will return to the school committee with recommendations following that internal review.
