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District transportation supervisor outlines bus lease, air‑conditioning upgrades and radio grant pursuit
Summary
Jason May told the board the district is leasing four buses to lock prices and save about $100,000 over four years, plans to install $7,000 air‑conditioning units per bus, and is pursuing a grant for MARC radios to address rural cell coverage and driver safety; delivery timing may leave the district short on spares for the first week of school.
Jason May, introduced as the district’s transportation lead, told the board that route maps will be posted online next Friday as staff finalize routes and that pickup/drop‑off locations will largely stay the same despite school name and building changes. He told the board the district arranged a four‑bus lease to lock prices and expects to save about $100,000 across the lease term. May said the district plans to install air‑conditioning units at roughly $7,000 per bus, which he described as a worthwhile investment for student comfort and safety.
May also described a grant pursuit for MARC radios because parts of the district lack reliable cell coverage; the radios would let drivers communicate in places with poor cell service. He said two buses were decommissioned (driven for eligibility) as part of preparing for an EPA electric‑bus grant the district hopes to receive; the district said it has completed paperwork and was waiting for final grant approval.
Board members discussed the potential for a shortfall of spares on the first day of school and the timing of bus deliveries; May said spare buses may be used during the first week while several buses are being fitted with air‑conditioning or awaiting delivery. The board did not vote separately on transportation purchases at the meeting; related purchases and routine transfers appear as part of the treasurer’s report and consent approvals.
