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Fort Edward board discusses bus purchases, vans and kitchen equipment as part of budget plan
Summary
District leaders told the board they will seek vehicle purchases (buses and 15‑passenger vans) and described a recently delivered new bus and grant‑funded kitchen equipment; staff said transportation staffing — not vehicle funding — is the limiting factor for expanding services.
At the Fort Edward Union Free School District board meeting, administration outlined transportation and facilities items that are folded into the draft 2025–26 budget and upcoming propositions.
Administration reported delivery of a recently ordered bus (bus 34) and said the district returned a leased vehicle. Staff recommended purchasing additional vehicles — including three larger vans to support district runs — and noted that transportation aid reimburses roughly 90% of eligible purchases over time. Presenters said the district plans to use reserve funds and propositions for capital purchases but cautioned that hiring a head bus driver and a full‑time driver remains the primary constraint to restoring broader transportation service.
On facilities, buildings and grounds staff described acquisition of a $30,000 steamer and a new merchandiser obtained through grants, which they characterized as zero‑cost to taxpayers; the team noted required electrical and plumbing upgrades for the larger equipment. Staff also discussed declaring surplus equipment for auction and coordinating with Tetra Tech on the district’s capital‑project planning.
Board members asked for timelines and staffing plans; administration said vehicle purchases will be brought to the community as propositions where required and that longer‑term staffing solutions must be hired to operate expanded services.
The presentation connected vehicle purchases, staffing and facility upgrades to the broader budget discussions for adoption at the March 10 meeting.
