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Board hears about transportation RFP amid severe bus-driver shortage
Summary
Administration told the District 208 board a transportation RFP has been published and that the district is constrained by a widespread bus-driver shortage; the board asked about vendor vetting, background checks and insurance and agreed to review bids when they arrive.
District 208 administration briefed the Board of Education on April 14 about a transportation request for proposals (RFP) published March 18 as part of a contract solicitation process. Staff said the last district bid for transportation was in 2017 and that proposals were due the day after the meeting.
Administration warned the board that a “huge shortage in bus drivers and companies” has narrowed vendor availability and constrained service windows. "We use First Student whenever possible, but they often, 99% of the time, cannot accommodate us before 9 a.m. or before 3 p.m.," a staff speaker said, noting that the district must sometimes contract other carriers such as M and M, Windy City or charter providers for athletics and field trips.
Board members asked whether drivers used by subcontractors undergo background checks and whether the district requires evacuation drills and insurance language in contracts; administration responded that companies are required to conduct background checks, trips include ample chaperones, evacuation procedures are included in bid specifications, and district liability insurance covers contracted trips. Given uncertainty about which vendor will ultimately receive the contract, administration recommended bringing the executed contract to the next board meeting after awarding to the lowest responsive bidder.
Board members asked staff to present the bid results and any contract terms at the next meeting rather than moving the item to consent, reflecting concerns about contractor selection and operational impacts on student transportation.
