School committee permits transportation IFB language allowing bidders to propose buying district buses

On Feb. 10 the Brockton School Committee voted to include in its imminent transportation Invitation For Bids (IFB) an option allowing bidders to propose purchasing the district's buses, contingent on the committee's subsequent acceptance of any such offer.

Superintendent and finance staff told members transportation is the district line most likely to produce a budget shortfall and that the district has previously run a business plan for in-house transportation that did not achieve projected savings. The superintendent said the IFB will allow the district to "test the waters" and compare options, but stressed that including the purchase option does not obligate the committee to accept any bid.

Committee members expressed concern for employees, the age and fuel type of the bus fleet (the current fleet includes gasoline-powered buses the superintendent said may have lower resale interest), and the district's prior projections versus realized savings. Several members requested additional analyses be provided to the subcommittee and bid-review group; the superintendent said the district had valuation figures and would supply whatever additional data the committee specifies.

After debate a motion to permit the purchase-option language passed by recorded vote. The committee directed that bids received will be evaluated by the bid-review process and returned to the committee for final decision; subcommittee meetings on transportation and bid review were requested to occur promptly.