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Hardy County Schools board reviews aging bus fleet, spare-counts and electric-bus lessons
Summary
Board members questioned how many buses are past the 12-year state counting threshold and discussed rotation, spares and an electric bus that experienced reliability problems; Presenter detailed the replacement allowance and how newly delivered buses are counted only once in service.
A board member (S1) asked for an update on the bus fleet and how many buses are older than 12 years, noting that state counting rules affect replacement funding. Presenter (S3) responded that the district currently lists 39 buses in the fleet and explained that newly delivered buses are not counted in the state average until they are placed in service, so delivery timing affects the current-year count.
Board discussion covered the practical need for spares in a rural district with long routes, the state's reduction in counted vehicles for older equipment, and the possibility of leasing versus purchasing. Committee members noted past purchases (one year they bought three buses, this year budget may allow only one) and discussed bus-rotation timing under a 12-year replacement cycle.
Members also raised the district's experience with an electric bus (S5 referenced breakdowns), noting hopes that electric vehicles would bolster the fleet but expressing concern about reliability on mountain routes. Presenter cautioned that the bus allowance is calculated with a two-year lag for maintenance and repair spending, which can make year-to-year comparisons tricky.
Direct quote: Committee member (S1) asked, "So where are we with the bus fleet? How many buses do we have now that are over 12 years old?" (S1)
Implication: The fleet conversation affects capital budgeting priorities and the use of the bus-replacement allowance (~$292,836 mentioned in the budget materials). The board asked staff to track bus-replacement receipts and to include vehicle sale proceeds in planning to help time future purchases.
