Alice ISD board approves bus-routing and parent-tracking software, $58,292 implementation cost
Summary
The Alice ISD Board approved a new transportation routing and parent app that district staff say will replace paper processes. The first-year implementation cost is $58,292 with an estimated $11,000 annual fee thereafter; trustees approved the purchase following a staff presentation and questions about features and roll-out.
Alice Independent School District trustees on Jan. 12 approved a new transportation routing and parent-tracking software package intended to modernize bus routing, fleet maintenance and parent communications.
During the meeting, Miss Sanchez (transportation presenter) described the system as an “all-in-one” platform that will provide routing capabilities, a parent app with live bus locations and automatic alerts, activity-trip request functionality and integration with the district’s student information system, Skyward. She said the first-year implementation cost, which includes tablets and training, is $58,292 and that the recurring software service agreement is estimated at $11,000 per year.
"Parents will be able to download an app and get live bus locations and pick up and drop off details," Miss Sanchez told the board. She added the system also creates routes with student safety in mind, mapping crosswalks, walk zones and hazard areas, and supports future options such as RFID-based student check-in.
Board members asked how the vendor was selected and whether the district had solicited bids. Miss Sanchez said the product is available through a purchasing cooperative and falls below the district’s RFP threshold; she characterized the software as easy to use and noted the district would start with about 10 tablets placed on buses and expand if needed.
Motion and vote: The purchase was moved by Superintendent Dr. Trevino and seconded by another trustee. Trustees voted in the affirmative and the motion passed.
What it means: District staff said the software will replace paper-based trip and routing paperwork, streamline state-required reporting, and give drivers a tablet-based route with student pinpoints and name/photo verification features to reduce errors. The district noted potential future uses — such as scanning students on/off buses for safety or during evacuations — but did not set an implementation deadline during the meeting.
Next steps: Staff will finalize procurement through the cooperative, purchase initial tablets and schedule implementation and training. The board approved funding for implementation in the current item.
