School board approves first-draft transportation RFP with single- and two-tier options, route-software and parent app requirements

The Contoocook Valley School District school board approved the transportation RFP as presented, which seeks bids for both the current two-tier schedule and an option for single-tier busing with the same school start times.

Neil (staff member) summarized the draft RFP, noting key elements added after administrator and prior-board feedback: an updated due date (moved one week later), an option to propose different fuel types though propane remains the baseline, a requirement for route-optimization software and a data-privacy agreement, geocoded or digital maps, specifications for onboard video (megapixel resolution) and audio, and a requirement for a parent-facing app to allow real-time tracking. The RFP also includes an additional bus for field trips, athletics and co-curriculars and specifies terminal requirements for emergency response.

Board members had no substantive questions on the draft during the meeting. A motion to accept the RFP as presented carried on a roll-call vote with board members recording yes votes (Sarah, Dan, Tom, Curtis, Jim, Bill, Carl, Janine). The board's action authorizes staff to release the RFP to solicit bids using the described options and technical requirements.

Staff noted the RFP duplicates two fuel/equipment options so vendors can propose alternative fuels in addition to the baseline propane; vendors must provide camera placement details and meet minimum image/audio quality standards. The district will evaluate bids for single-tier and two-tier costs separately to inform any later recommendation about start times or routing changes.