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Arlington board approves pre‑purchase of up to three 10‑passenger vans to replace aging fleet
Summary
The board authorized pre-purchase of up to three new 10‑passenger vans (modified for school use) at a cap of $65,694 each from Woodhouse Motors, to be paid from general funds; the district is selling older vehicles and planning staggered replacements to avoid service gaps.
Arlington Public Schools authorized the pre‑purchase of up to three new 10‑passenger vans on Sept. 8, citing aging vehicles and an urgent need to maintain student transportation and activities support.
Administrators reported two district vans were recently sold and that some remaining vans are high‑mileage. Staff presented quotes for factory-new vans modified by certified conversion shops (modification is required before the district takes possession). Administration indicated a likely price range from about $63,000 to $65,600 per vehicle after modifications; the board approved purchase up to $65,694 per van from Woodhouse Motors and directed payment from general funds.
Why it matters: the district must maintain safe, reliable transportation for students and activities; staff stressed a limited national supply for chassis and conversion capacity could delay replacements if purchases are deferred. Board members discussed selling additional unused vehicles while they still have resale value and confirmed that the administration budgeted funds to support the replacement.
Outcome: the motion passed. Administration will proceed with procurement within the approved budget cap and coordinate conversions with certified modifiers before taking delivery.
Next steps: staff will finalize orders and schedule modifications; the business office will track payments and report back on timing and delivery estimates.
