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Washington Unified approves $913,661 contract to buy new school buses, citing bus shortage
Summary
The board authorized a contract with A to Z Bus Sales to purchase buses in stock now (four buses immediately, four more later) for $913,661.70, funded from the Arts, Music and Instructional Materials discretionary block grant. Trustees asked whether the funding would limit bus use; staff said it would not.
The Washington Unified School District Board of Education on July 24 approved a contract with A to Z Bus Sales to purchase new school buses to address a district shortage.
Chief Business Officer Monique Stovall presented the procurement on behalf of the district's transportation team, saying four buses are needed for the start of the school year and an additional four will be required later in the year. Stovall said the buses are in stock and the total contract amount is $913,661.70.
Stovall and transportation staff recommended using the district's Arts, Music and Instructional Materials (AMIM) discretionary block grant to fund the purchase. Board members confirmed the AMIM funds expire June 2026 and questioned whether the funding would restrict the buses to arts or related uses. Staff replied the buses will be available for bands, athletics, field trips and general student transportation.
Trustees also requested an update on inoperable electric buses that the district said cannot be repaired because the manufacturer went bankrupt; staff committed to providing more information about fleet status in a future update. Trustees emphasized student safety and reliable transportation as the main reasons to approve the purchase.
Vice President Coffey moved to approve entering a contract with A to Z Bus Sales; Trustee Hunt seconded. The board approved the contract by roll call. Staff said they will purchase the first four buses now and plan for an additional four during the school year.
