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Normandy board rejects Transpar transportation contract, forms task force to study in-house option
Summary
The Normandy Schools Collaborative board voted to reject a proposed extension of its contract with transportation provider Transpar and instead approved a superintendent-led transportation task force to evaluate whether the district can bring routes in-house or negotiate transitional consulting. The contract failed on a 5–2 roll call; the task force was approved unanimously.
The Normandy Schools Collaborative joint executive governing board on June 10 rejected a proposed renewal of its transportation contract with Transpar and authorized a superintendent-led task force to examine options for providing transportation in-house or negotiating consulting support.
Board members raised concerns about cost, declining route coverage and related student absenteeism that emerged after route reductions. Director Edwards argued the district could save money and that the board should “put in place a task force for this transition so that we can assure that by the start of the school year we can do this the most efficient way,” and asked Transpar for a clearer breakdown of its costs and margins.
Transpar president and founder Kyle Martin told the board the company values the relationship and “thinks the best path forward is for our continued management of the system,” but said Transpar would “cooperate with you as best we can” if the district chooses to pursue a different model.
After discussion, director Edwards moved to approve the Transpar contract; the motion failed on roll call with two yes votes and five no votes (Yes: Director Pearson, Dr. Petty; No: Directors Davis Day, Edwards, Milton Roberts, Secretary Taylor and Vice President Jefferson). The secretary announced, “Doctor Petty, the no’s have it.”
Immediately after, the board moved to form a transportation committee/task force charged to report back quickly and include key stakeholders appointed by the superintendent; the motion passed by roll call with all members recorded as voting yes. Board members said the task force will gather cost comparisons, determine transition timelines, and ask Transpar whether it will provide consulting during any shift to in-house transportation.
What happens next: the superintendent’s office is to identify task-force members and convene the group for initial work (the board discussed a two-week target to begin the study). The board said it may call a special meeting to consider any recommended next steps or a future vote.
Provenance: Board discussion and the transpar contract vote are recorded in the meeting transcript beginning with the transportation item and debate (topic introduction at SEG 1340) through the vote and committee establishment (concluding at SEG 1553).
