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Board considers 54‑passenger bus purchase and renews student‑services contracts
Summary
Business administrator Stephanie Couture recommended continuing a shared mechanic service, buying a 54‑passenger bus now to avoid higher financing costs, and renewing a CarePlus contract for substance‑abuse testing and medical appearances; the board discussed summer food service communications and out‑of‑district placement costs.
Business Administrator Stephanie Couture presented operational items the board would consider for approval, emphasizing transportation needs and several contractual matters.
Couture described a shared‑service agreement with the borough to hire a mechanic experienced with buses and recommended continuing that arrangement to reduce service interruptions. She then outlined a proposal to purchase a 54‑passenger bus immediately rather than finance it, citing unfavorable interest rates and tariff‑driven price increases that could raise long‑term costs. Couture said the bus would not require an additional driver and would allow the district to reduce reliance on contracted routes.
A late addition to the agenda was a renewal of the district’s agreement with CarePlus for substance‑abuse testing and medical appearances; the administrator said the current contract expires June 30 and a new agreement would take effect July 1. Couture also reported on out‑of‑district placement costs covered by agenda line items and described summer food‑service communications, including Summer EBT notifications to families and options for meal sites in the county; she explained the district does not serve meals over the summer but will direct families to county resources.
Board members asked clarifying questions about financing, driver availability and timing. The board took voice votes on grouped approval items later in the meeting.
