KCKPS board approves $55,542.85 buyout for eight leased vehicles after debate over fleet size

The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education voted to buy out the remaining Enterprise fleet leases covering eight district vehicles for $55,542.85, after a lengthy discussion about costs and the district’s fleet inventory.

Board members debated the motion during a debate that centered on whether buying the vehicles now was cheaper than continuing monthly lease payments. Mr. Correll, who addressed the board on the recommendation, said the district’s monthly lease payment for the group is $3,105. “The lease price that we pay, monthly for all of the vehicles is $3,105 a month,” he said, explaining portions of the fleet are on differing lease terms and some are month-to-month.

Dr. Wynne opposed the motion, arguing the board should continue efforts to downsize the fleet and questioned comparisons with other districts. “So I’ll be voting no,” Dr. Wynne said, pointing to opportunities to avoid purchasing vehicles at the end of leases and to reduce long-term costs.

Supporters of the buyout said staff had run the numbers and that, given current contract terms, it is less expensive to acquire the vehicles’ book values now than to continue the lease payments for the remaining contract period. Administration noted that some vehicles are on month-to-month terms while others have roughly six months left, and that the district would continue to have possession of those vehicles regardless of today's vote.

The motion passed with recorded votes: Maxine Drew (yes), Randy Lopez (yes), Robert Milan Jr. (yes), Rachel Russell (yes), Wanda Brownlee Page (no), Doctor Wynne (no). The board also requested a future inventory and breakdown showing which vehicles are leased versus owned, remaining lease durations, and mileage so members can better evaluate fleet needs going forward.

The board carried the motion and staff committed to returning with the requested fleet inventory and additional cost calculations in a subsequent report.