Marana board approves transportation reorganization after consultant audit, cites $147k–$155k cost and major efficiencies

The Marana Unified School District governing board on a unanimous vote approved a transportation department reorganization prompted by a year‑long audit by Gage Precision Consulting.

Mr. Golagosski, presenting the plan, said the proposal adds an assistant director to oversee trainers, dispatchers and routing, increases the number of trainers from two to four, and reassigns the current ESS operations manager to an ESS routing technician to focus on special‑needs routing. "The maximum estimated cost will [be] between 147,000 and 155,000," he said, adding that those costs depend on years of experience and internal assignments.

Board members pressed for details on savings and timelines. In response, staff and consultant Paul Novak said the district expects roughly $600,000–$700,000 in efficiencies, with "about two‑thirds of it's coming out of overtime savings and the other third out of routing efficiencies." Novak and transportation staff estimated the reorganization could eliminate five to 10 routes through improved routing and reduced overtime.

Supporters said the reorganization would allow the director to focus on logistics and reporting while the new assistant director and trainers concentrate on hiring, training and safety. Mr. Golagosski said M‑funds are available to cover the net cost and that savings from reduced overtime and routing consolidation would offset the added positions over time.

The board asked for follow‑up: staff committed to providing a detailed implementation timeline and the consultant's draft report, expected the following week, and to bring the item back in an August study session to review findings and next steps.

The motion to approve the reorganization carried without recorded opposition.