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Whitman‑Hanson committee awards five‑year student‑transportation contract to NRT
Summary
The Whitman‑Hanson Regional School District School Committee unanimously approved a five‑year bus contract to NRT totaling $10,446,233.10 after staff said the bid was roughly $152,000 under the district’s budget and that the IFB preserves safety inspections and route flexibility.
The Whitman‑Hanson Regional School District School Committee voted unanimously to award a five‑year student‑transportation contract to NRT, accepting a five‑year total of $10,446,233.10 and noting the bid is about $152,000 below the district’s budgeted amount.
Staff member Matt told the committee the district received two qualifying bids, from NRT and First Student, and that the proposals were close. “We are looking at a bid that came in about $152,000 less than what the budget is,” Matt said, recommending the award to NRT. He reported the procurement was conducted as an IFB and that the district compared total bid values across required pricing points.
The committee asked whether the new vendor would reduce safety standards; several members referenced social‑media concerns that safety provisions had been loosened. Matt said the IFB includes detailed safety specifications and gives the district the right to inspect buses at any time. “We have inspections built into it … that allows us to be able to protect the students,” Matt said, adding that the contract also includes response‑time requirements for vehicle breakdowns.
Members also asked about operational details, including where buses would be housed. Staff replied the contract requires buses be housed in a town contiguous to Whitman or Hanson and includes provisions addressing response times for roadside breakdowns. Committee members noted existing First Student drivers have expressed hope of continued employment under a new contractor.
After brief additional comments from committee members, the board moved, seconded and conducted a roll‑call vote by Zoom. The recorded roll call returned all affirmative votes and the motion to award the five‑year contract to NRT carried.
The committee did not discuss contract start‑date specifics in public beyond confirming route and start‑time determination remain the district’s responsibility.
