District reports arrival of two new buses, plans for wraps, more cameras and restored fencing

District operations staff told the board Alma has acquired two large buses and is moving ahead with several safety and facilities improvements.

Mister Biggs, a district staff member overseeing operations, said the district recently took delivery of two large buses — a white bus and a blue bus — and is planning exterior wraps in gold and green to align with school colors. "We got 2 good looking big old buses out there driving down the road now," Mister Biggs said, adding the first trip included transporting students to a chess match.

Administrators said the district negotiated a favorable purchase and may acquire an additional bus. Biggs said the district plans a color wrap and is coordinating with Doctor Duffy and others on final design.

On safety work, the board was told crews will reinstall a fence that previously existed between the primary-school cafeteria and the playground after a truck struck it in the past. The fence restoration was described as a safety priority to prevent children from leaving the area.

Biggs also said the district is adding security cameras: "Each school is probably gonna be a 6 to 8 new cameras," and added additional cameras may be purchased. He noted some of the safety-related project funds must be spent by June 30.

Administrators said more signage, radios and window film purchases are included in recent approvals for facilities work. The board did not take separate votes on the buses at the meeting; the operations remarks were informational and tied to routine facilities budgeting and prior approvals.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to report progress and coordinate wrap designs and camera installations with the board.