District staff seek bids for five replacement buses including SPED-equipped vehicles

Summary

Transportation staff told the board they will bid for two 77-passenger buses and three specially equipped (SPED) buses; they said the fleet averages about 10 years for 77-passenger buses and that supply-chain timing and modest price increases make ordering now feasible, with bids returning for board approval in February.

District transportation staff presented a bus-bid plan on Jan. 8 calling for two new 77-passenger buses and three specially equipped buses for special education routes.

The transportation director said 77-passenger buses are averaging about 10 years of age in the fleet; staff noted seven fully air-conditioned 77-passenger buses currently in use and that all SPED buses are air conditioned. Staff explained AC buses are prioritized for summer programs and sped routes. They also said supply-chain issues have eased: if ordered in the next few months, buses should arrive by mid-summer rather than the multi‑month delays seen in earlier post‑COVID years.

Board members asked whether more buses should be ordered now because of a planned new elementary school and how fleet retirements will affect counts; staff said the current purchase plan is for replacements and that they anticipate some retirements, keeping overall fleet counts consistent. Bids are expected to return to the board in the second meeting in February for formal approval.

Ending: Staff will solicit bids and return recommendations to the board in February.