Board affirms preschool transport policy, approves Mini Monarch Academy lease and VAT bus contract

Superintendent Dr. Howard told the board he had heard parent concerns about long car lines and instructional time at the offsite preschool (Mini Monarch Academy). He said the district's longstanding practice is to provide bus transportation only for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and that practice continues for the Mini Monarch Academy location. He said offering transportation to peer (non-IEP) students would impose additional costs on the district and that consistency across K—12 was a guiding factor.

Howard said when the district previously absorbed preschool services it increased district costs substantially and cited a figure of about $3,000,000 per year associated with taking on preschool services. He told the board parents had requested transporting siblings or peer students; the district declined that change, citing equity, cost and operational complexity.

The superintendent also announced the district has discontinued multi-address routing (alternate-address pick-up/drop-off). He said alternating parenting schedules and seat duplication (one student occupying two seats on separate days) led to missed pickups and inefficiency; he added state law does not require transportation for alternate addresses and that some large nearby districts have similar policies. He also cited driver shortages as a factor in the decision.

On related business the board moved, seconded and approved a facility lease agreement with Mini Monarch Academy (MMA) to house preschool services. Dr. Howard and board members reviewed lease terms on the record: year one rent would be $1; for the term July 1, 2028—6, 2029 the rent was listed as $100,000 annually; the amount for July 1, 2029—6, 2030 was listed as $200,000. Lessor obligations include building maintenance; the district would pay for modifications related directly to its use. The board also approved a service agreement with VAT to provide transportation to the Mini Monarch Academy for the current school year; the contract is billed based on ridership and routes, and the district gave an estimate in discussion of approximately $500,000 for the service year.

Board members asked about operational responsibilities for driver discipline and oversight; district staff said drivers are VAT employees subject to required background checks and CDL licensing and the contract includes provisions to work with the district on issues. Officials said the district receives driver lists for operational coordination.

Ending: The board approved the lease with MMA and the VAT transportation contract; staff will continue to manage routes and driver recruitment while maintaining the district's policy of transporting only students with IEPs.