Washington County board approves purchase of one mini bus, debates funding for two more

The Washington County Board of Education voted to authorize the purchase of one 27‑passenger mini bus and discussed options for funding two additional buses as prices have risen above earlier estimates. Board members said the district’s $600,000 capital allocation for buses no longer covers the full planned purchase after recent price increases.

Staff told the board the mini buses are gasoline models priced at about $102,316 each under the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing agreement. The district previously approved purchasing propane and full‑size buses, leaving roughly $150,000 available in this year’s transportation capital line, staff said.

Board members and staff outlined the options: buy only the number of buses affordable under the current plan, rework the educational capital plan and request approval from the budget committee and full commission, or use district fund balance to make up the difference. One board member noted that the district’s replacement cycle will leave it short of specialized mini buses if only a single vehicle is purchased now.

After discussion, a motion carried to proceed with buying one mini bus using available committee funds and to pursue funding for two more buses either by requesting additional capital funds from the commission or, if necessary, using fund balance. The board did not provide a roll‑call vote total in the record.

Board members said future years’ capital plans include higher bus funding lines, but they warned that the backlog of replacement needs could require larger purchases in FY 2026–2029. Staff estimated the additional two mini buses would cost roughly $205,000 beyond current available funds unless the capital plan is adjusted.