Stevens Point school board approves bus purchase, cash‑flow note, mobility van and other measures

The Stevens Point Area Public School District board on an October evening approved several finance and procurement measures, including the purchase of 11 new diesel school buses, authorization of a taxable tax‑and‑revenue anticipation promissory note for cash‑flow purposes up to $3 million, and the purchase of a mobility van to transport students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

The actions were taken on motions from the board during the regularly scheduled meeting and carried without recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The purchases and the short‑term borrowing authority are intended to maintain transportation capacity, meet federally required special education transportation obligations and provide a temporary financing backstop for the district between July and the first major state equalized aid payment in December.

Most important votes and motions - Bus purchase: The board recommended purchase of 11 Type C, 72‑passenger diesel buses with exterior luggage compartments from Ascendance Truck Centers of Marshfield, Wisconsin, at a total cost of $1,274,900 to be paid by lease over six years in annual payments expected to be about $238,438. The board approved the motion.

- Tax and revenue anticipation note: The board approved a resolution authorizing a taxable tax‑and‑revenue anticipation promissory note (TAN) for cash‑flow purposes in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000. Administration said the line of credit is a precaution given the district pays many bills from fund balance before the first major state aid payment in early December.

- Mobility van acquisition: The board approved purchase of a wheelchair‑accessible mobility van to help transport students with specialized transportation needs. Administration said the van can reduce recurring vendor costs for contracted cab services and allow the district to claim categorical special education reimbursement for the purchase.

Other motions approved during the meeting included the consent agenda (minutes, scheduled monthly bills and employment recommendations), revisions to the emergency nursing services policy provided by Neola, and the district's certification to allow CESA 5 to accept a donated building in Stevens Point. All motions on the record carried.

Debate highlights Board members and staff discussed operational reasons behind the transportation choices. Staff member Mike, who presented the transportation items, said propane buses were phased out because “they didn't have the range that a diesel bus has,” and noted they also lacked power on hills and had lower resale demand.

On the TAN, administration explained that the district often cash‑flows a large portion of the school year from fund balance until the first equalized aid payment arrives in December; the line of credit was described as a safety net the district prefers to have but does not expect to draw on.

On the mobility van, presenters explained that special education transportation is a related service that must be provided at no cost to parents when necessary for a student to access FAPE (free appropriate public education). Staff described past reliance on contracted cab services that were costly and sometimes unreliable for guaranteeing IEP minutes; having district‑operated accessible vans was presented as providing more control over schedules and compliance.

What the board decided (outcomes) All recorded motions carried; no roll‑call opposition was recorded in the meeting minutes read at the meeting. The items will be implemented by administration in coordination with business services and transportation staff.

Next steps Administration will finalize procurement and lease paperwork for the buses, complete the mobility van purchase and pursue categorical reimbursement where applicable, and maintain the TAN line for fiscal contingency unless it is not needed.