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Trustees flag Siren Bus Company contract for future review amid referendum uncertainty
Summary
Board members questioned the district's five‑year Siren Bus Company contract (2023–2028), noting it is a flat monthly fee and discussing whether the district should seek negotiations or route changes depending on referendum outcomes; trustees agreed to place a review on a future agenda.
Board members spent a substantive portion of the March 23 meeting discussing the district's contract with Siren Bus Company and whether the agreement could or should be revisited if the upcoming referendum reduces projected revenues.
Trustees noted the contract runs 2023–2028 and was described in discussion as a flat monthly payment covering all buses and many field trips. Board members raised that the monthly amount appeared substantial and asked whether reducing routes would lower the fee; administration explained it is a flat rate but said mutual renegotiation could be possible.
No formal motion to change the contract was made; instead, trustees agreed to add a review of transportation contracting to a future Committee of the Whole agenda (May was suggested) so the board could consider options, assess parent impacts and, if needed, open talks with the bus company. One trustee flagged the potential for longer student ride times and recommended parent engagement if route consolidation is discussed.
Why it matters: Transportation is a major operating cost for many rural districts and a fixed contract can limit short‑term flexibility; trustees emphasized planning now so the board is positioned to respond after the referendum result is known.
The board did not take binding action on the contract at this meeting but directed administration to put a transportation review on a future agenda.
