Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wall School District board authorizes seeking bids for 57-passenger bus after extended discussion
Summary
After debating size, cost, driver requirements and storage, the Wall School District board voted to solicit bids for a 57-passenger bus; purchase would be considered in FY25 budget and bids will be returned for board approval.
The Wall School District 51-5 board voted to authorize soliciting bids for a 57-passenger school bus after an extended discussion about capacity, cost and operational trade-offs.
A board member moved to seek bids for a 57-passenger vehicle; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Board members described three replacement paths discussed in committee: a 35-passenger replacement (estimates cited near $130,000 for gas models and $240,000 for diesel), a 51–57 passenger option (used and new models reported between roughly $295,000 and $407,000 depending on model and new/used status), and a lease-return 57-passenger coach presented to the district at about $340,000.
Discussion touched on insurance and operating costs (the older 2013 bus was noted as costing about $1,200/year to insure versus an estimated $3,800/year for a larger 57-passenger bus), driver availability and air-brake/CDL requirements for the larger coach, storage and equipment capacity for band and athletic gear, and a projected trade-in value of roughly $15,000 (with the possibility of $20,000–$25,000 by competitive sale). Several board members emphasized the need to advertise and take bids rather than commit to a purchase immediately; district staff said any purchase would be wrapped into the FY25 budget and would not occur before July if approved.
The motion directs staff to prepare specifications and solicit bids; the board will review returned bids and vote on any purchase in a subsequent meeting.
