Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Caledonia holds first read on school bus, van purchases to replace aging fleet
Summary
On Jan. 27 the board received a first reading from transportation staff recommending purchase of three 77‑passenger buses, one 47‑passenger wheelchair bus with lift, and two 8–10 passenger vans; delivery of buses is expected in the 2025–26 school year and no vote was taken at first reading.
Caledonia Community Schools heard a first reading Jan. 27 on a transportation proposal to replace aging vehicles and expand spare capacity.
Transportation staff recommended purchasing four school buses — three full 77‑passenger buses and one 47‑passenger special‑needs vehicle with a lift — plus two 8–10 passenger vans. Staff said the vans support small trips and activities (athletics, KCTC pickups) and that the special‑needs bus addresses wheelchair accessibility needs.
The presentation noted fleet totals, state reporting rules on spare buses (the district tends to run a slightly higher spare ratio because of its rural service area), and typical bus life cycles. Staff said auction resale values remain low — "a $124,000 investment in a new school bus gets us $3,000 at the other end when they go out of the fleet" — and that the district aims to spread replacements to avoid procurement "bubbles." The presenter said warranties and updated camera/GPS systems are included and that three vans in the fleet are showing age (model years 2010–2011) and will be replaced.
Trustees asked about delivery timing, longevity (staff said 10–15 years is typical), insurance cost impacts (staff said adding a few new vehicles while retiring older ones will not significantly change fleet insurance), and whether the district ever buys used buses (staff said off‑lease buses are rare and often of limited remaining life). The presentation was a first reading; staff will return next month with final bid numbers and action items for purchase approval.
Provenance: First reading and discussion began with the transportation presentation (topic start SEG 946) and continued through question and answer (topic finish SEG 1284).
