Superintendent says district-owned buses would cost over $40 million; recommends staying with First Student
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Summary
After a feasibility study with BOCES, district leaders concluded purchasing buses would cost the district more than $40 million and is not financially feasible; administration recommended continuing the First Student contract while monitoring state rules about future electric‑bus requirements.
The Watertown City School District administration reported that a transportation feasibility study conducted with BOCES concluded district ownership of replacement buses would exceed $40,000,000 and is therefore not financially feasible at this time.
"The cost to the district and the taxpayers would be the tune of over $40,000,000. It is not feasible," Dr. Larry said, summarizing the study and the district’s recommendation. He told the board that state requirements mean new buses purchased after 2027 must be electric and that the district lacks current capacity for a full fleet conversion by the 2035 horizon, a factor that increases projected costs.
Given the findings and uncertainty about state funding and timelines, the administration recommended continuing the current contract with First Student for transportation services. Dr. Larry said the district still has several years remaining on the First Student contract and recommended renewing that arrangement while monitoring funding and regulatory developments.
Separately, the superintendent and the FAF committee provided updates on capital projects. The district is managing a phased capital plan (including a $50 million capital reserve approved by voters last year) and is prioritizing infrastructure needs such as roofs, windows and HVAC systems. Dr. Larry said beginning certain projects earlier could allow the district to benefit from a reset of maximum cost allowances for building aid on specific buildings.
Board members asked for more detail on funding sources and timelines; administration said some numbers remain estimates pending the state budget and vendor bids. The meeting record shows the board approved placement of an energy-efficiency proposition on the May ballot that could affect capital planning depending on voter outcome.
