Board approves recertification plan for Transit vans, moves older van to surplus

The Southerland Public Schools board approved a transportation committee recommendation to pursue federal recertification of two district Ford Transit vans and to declare a 2000 Transit van surplus.

Tyrell, speaking for the transportation committee, said state rules and federal certification requirements mean any vehicle carrying more than 15 passengers requires a CDL‑rated vehicle and certified recertification. He told the board several district vans cannot legally transport students until they are recertified. "When you see the colored chart ... the left is everything that requires CDL drivers," Tyrell said, describing limits on available CDL‑qualified drivers.

Committee members reported options: send the vehicles to an approved vendor in Kansas City for recertification (quoted cost roughly $2,850 per van plus travel and lodging), explore trade‑in values with dealers, or pursue local dealer recertification where available. The committee recommended both declaring the oldest Transit van surplus and approving the recertification option as the most cost‑effective way to restore capacity.

The board moved and approved the recommendations by roll call. Trustees noted recertification would restore usable passenger capacity and could improve trade‑in value versus selling as nonrecertified units. For the short term, the district plans to use operational coach buses and the anchor bus while vans are assessed and possible recertification is scheduled.

The business office and transportation director will work on logistics, vendor arrangements and any required travel scheduling for recertification.