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Board hears proposal to increase bussing contractor pay; administrators plan June vote
Summary
Transportation staff described a package that would raise contractor pay to full-capacity levels, add 10 cents on the cost-index formula, equip buses with cameras, and preserve fuel and radio supports; administrators will present a formal motion for board action in June.
The Tunkhannock Area School District administration told the school board it will present a proposal in June to increase compensation for contracted bus operators, after two meetings with contractors and district staff.
Doctor Soufran, who led the transportation discussion, said contractors asked for “full capacity pay” and a 10-cent increase on the cost-index formula; the administration estimated that change would cost the district $195,696.48. He said the administration would also continue to cover fuel (subject to an existing gas cap), maintain radio systems, and equip the current fleet with cameras and backup cameras. The district has also purchased compatible ProVision card readers to address past card-reading problems.
Soufran said the administration would not agree to guaranteed pay for non-run days (a requested “180 day” guarantee), but would continue the existing practice of covering 3 of 5 bid days. He also said the administration plans to limit bus sizes if it adopts full-capacity compensation to prevent oversized buses from being put on routes for financial reasons.
Why it matters: the administration framed the measures as a response to contractor requests and a way to stabilize service for students while balancing taxpayer stewardship. Soufran noted that higher operating costs will require revenue adjustments and that the board will need to consider how to pay for any increase.
The board approved renewal of the district's bus and van contracts at the meeting. The compensation-change proposal itself was discussed as an information item and will return for a formal vote in June.
