Board hears operations update: goal set for 95% on-time bus arrivals, capital planning tied to building performance

Operations staff presented an update on the district's strategic-plan Priority 2 (excellence and efficiency), outlining targets, tools and next steps for transportation and capital planning.

The district set a target that by 2026, 95% of OCS students who use district buses will experience safe, on-time arrivals. Staff said the approach includes installing real-time bus tracking and turn-by-turn GPS for all buses, adding cameras for visual safety, strengthening driver recruitment and retention (including updated substitute-driver pay), route optimization and exploring EV buses and other equipment upgrades. Staff noted a recent GPS rollout and approved substitute-driver pay to improve retention.

On capital planning, operations staff described a goal to align 100% of capital spending to a building performance and utilization index, conduct regular enrollment and utilization analyses and prioritize projects with clear instructional impact. Staff said they will develop a district facilities condition and utilization index and convene with county and neighboring districts to coordinate planning and funding.

Board members asked for clear, regular metrics to track progress, including year-over-year comparisons, ride-time limits, communication rates for bus delays (parents requested near-100% timely notifications) and clearer reporting on work-order responsiveness. Staff said metric development is in progress and that some systems need to be in place to ensure apples-to-apples comparisons across years.

Trustees praised progress but urged staff to bring specific measurable indicators back to the board and to work closely with county partners on capital prioritization.