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Board approves purchase of two new school buses, including wheelchair‑lift minibus
Summary
Board approved purchase of a 2027 Bluebird Vision route bus for $137,162 and a 2025 Thomas-built 14-passenger minibus (wheelchair lift) for $106,115; both purchases were described as budgeted and part of the transportation plan.
The Norfolk Public Schools Board approved two transportation purchases designed to update the district fleet and ensure special education transport capacity.
Finance staff recommended buying a 2027 Bluebird Vision route bus for $137,162 from Nebraska Central Equipment, the lowest of three responsive bids. The board discussed rotating older buses to backup status and selling the oldest vehicle; staff said bus life expectancy is typically 10–15 years.
Separately, the district recommended purchasing a new 2025 Thomas-built 14-passenger minibus (with wheelchair lift) for $106,115 from Truck Center Companies to replace a 2007 vehicle used for special education student transport. The administration confirmed the vehicle meets federal safety standards and that the district will file for SPED reimbursement next year. The current minibus will be retained as a spare to avoid transportation disruptions when a vehicle is down for maintenance.
Both motions passed 5-0.
Next steps: Facilities/transportation staff will finalize vehicle selection, schedule spring delivery where applicable, and prepare reimbursement filings for special education transportation.
