Board approves purchase of 12 replacement school buses, will finance through bonds
Summary
After a fleet review, the board voted 5-0 to approve buying 12 buses to replace aging units; staff cited engine hours as a key condition, recent $20,000-per-motor repair costs and plans to finance via the district's bonding capacity.
The Clark County school board approved the purchase of 12 replacement buses to address the district's aging fleet. Transportation staff reported that some buses require engine overhauls (about $20,000 per motor) and noted engine hours are often a better longevity indicator than odometer miles. The board voted 5-0 to authorize the purchase and financing will come from the district's bonding capacity.
Transportation staff said two motors were replaced this year at a combined cost of about $40,000 and that continued operation of some older buses would require additional expensive engine work. Staff proposed buying 12 buses this year and noted that newer motor designs due next year might affect future purchases. The district expects to finance the purchase through bond capacity similar to a prior order, and staff said larger orders can yield better interest rates.
