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Board approves $896,362 contract for Zoom routing and dispatch system to modernize bus operations
Summary
The North Clackamas School Board voted 5-0 to award a contract not to exceed $896,362 to Zoom Services Inc. for a new transportation routing, dispatch and parent-communication system; the rollout will be phased and include an RFID tap-card pilot and telematics features.
The North Clackamas School Board approved a contract to modernize its student transportation system, awarding Zoom Services Incorporated a contract not to exceed $896,362 to cover installation, licensing, training and support.
"The recommendation to approve awarding the school transportation services routing and dispatch system contract to Zoom Services Incorporated for an amount not to exceed $896,362 for the installation, licensing, training, and support of a new system," Teresa Webster, chief of operations, told the board.
Kathy Calkins, director of transportation, described current operations that rely on roughly 27 spreadsheets and limited real-time visibility. She said Zoom would provide real-time fleet visibility, optimized routing, a parent application (real-time bus location and notifications when students disembark), driver tablets with turn-by-turn navigation, geo-fencing and simpler state reporting. Kathy noted the district operates about 110 buses and that the system could reduce manual workload and improve safety and accountability.
The proposed implementation has three phases: Phase 1 (2026–27) system transition, configuration, staff training and go-live for routing/tracking; Phase 2 a pilot for RFID tap cards and data integration at selected schools; Phase 3 full roll-out of ridership tap cards and enhanced reporting. Presenters said the contract includes comprehensive training, "train the trainer" elements and ongoing technical support.
Board members asked whether students could board without RFID cards (presenters said yes and drivers will be able to tap students’ names on tablets), and whether replacement costs and inventory would be managed (presenters said the contract includes supply and a 20% inventory increase and the pilot will clarify loss/damage policies). On telematics and performance metrics, presenters said Zoom includes diagnostics and data to establish a 2026–27 baseline year and provide midyear and end-of-year reports to the board.
Director Kemp moved to approve the contract; Director McVeigh seconded. The board held a roll-call vote and the motion passed 5 to 0.
Next step: contract implementation will follow the planned phased approach with pilots and training to minimize disruption.
