District plans to bid for five buses; board hears fleet, AC and timing details
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Summary
Transportation staff told the board it will seek bids for two 77‑passenger buses and three specially equipped SPED buses; staff said average 77‑passenger bus age is about 10 years, AC buses are prioritized for summer and athletic use, and bids are expected back for a February approval meeting.
Transportation staff told the Southeast Polk board that the district will go to bid for five vehicles this year: two regular 77‑passenger buses and three specially equipped buses for special education routes.
A district presenter said the fleet currently includes seven fully air‑conditioned 77‑passenger buses and all new buses now ship with driver‑side air from the factory, though full‑bus AC varies by model. Staff said AC buses are reserved for summer school and heat‑sensitive uses such as athletics and that SPED buses are all air‑conditioned. The presenter estimated the average age of the district’s 77‑passenger buses at about 10 years and noted that several older buses will be retired, so the net fleet size will remain roughly consistent even as replacements are ordered.
Staff discussed supply‑chain conditions and reported that lead times have improved: buses ordered in the coming months are expected to arrive by midsummer, a significant improvement from previous delays of 12–18 months. The district plans to bring bid results back to the board at the second meeting in February for approval.
A board member asked whether more buses will be needed for an upcoming elementary opening; transportation staff said planning anticipates the need for roughly four additional buses for a new elementary route in the future and that the administration will consider adding vehicles at a later purchase cycle if required.
Quote: "We are looking to go for bid for 2 regular 77 passenger buses and 3 specially equipped school buses," a transportation presenter said.
The board did not take a formal vote on the bidding plan at the Jan. 8 meeting; staff said they will return with bid results and recommended purchases in February.