Board approves reduced payment to Safeway Transportation, assesses 25% penalty for August services

The Glen Ellyn School District 41 board voted Oct. 7 to approve payment to Safeway Transportation Services for August regular and special‑education transportation services, reducing the invoice total by penalties and other adjustments for unsatisfactory service.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff McHugh told the board he had earlier recommended withholding payment and assessing a 25% penalty for August because of service shortfalls. The payment approved at the meeting was presented as $214,213.82; the district said this amount reflects a reduction of $71,404.61 in penalties and adjustments. The Safeway invoice numbers cited in the discussion were 2975 and 2815.

Board members moved and seconded the motion (board discussion identified the mover as 'Jess' and the seconder as 'Jason' during the meeting). A board member asked the chair to confirm that the board retained the authority to continue negotiating with the vendor depending on future performance; the chair confirmed that authority remained.

A roll‑call vote was taken with seven members recorded as voting yes; the motion carried. Board members voting yes were recorded in the meeting’s roll call sequence as Missus Buttimer, Missus Drowski, Missus Sykes, Missus Hill, Doctor Michael, Mister Obak and Doctor Bruno (responses recorded as 'Yes' during the roll call). No 'no' votes, abstentions or recusals were recorded in the transcript.

The approved payment and assessed penalty were presented as a one‑time resolution for August services; the board retained authority to negotiate or withhold future payments depending on Safeway’s ongoing performance.

Sources: Oct. 7, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting of Glen Ellyn School District 41; specific invoice numbers and dollar amounts were presented during the agenda item on transportation contract payments.