Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves GPS-based student card-on/card-off system; startup cost about $204,000 with expected 50% state reimbursement
Summary
Trustees approved a Tyler Technology transportation routing and student card system to improve bus-route visibility and student tracking; startup cost is roughly $204,000 with about half expected to be reimbursed by the state and an ongoing annual cost discussed.
Trustees voted to approve a software-as-a-service purchase agreement for a Tyler Technology transportation upgrade that will add GPS tracking and student card-on/card-off capabilities.
Transportation staff described the antiquated paper-based routing system and said the new system will show GPS locations, help determine whether a student boarded a bus, and give parents improved visibility. The presenter said startup costs are approximately $204,000 with training and equipment included; the state is expected to reimburse roughly 50% of the startup cost. The presenter estimated ongoing annual costs of about $44,000, half of which the state would reimburse going forward.
Trustees discussed logistics, including cards being attached to backpacks, whether substitute drivers would receive iPads or routing devices, privacy concerns (trustees raised facial-recognition questions and were told the purchased option does not rely on facial recognition), and practical issues with substitutes and download timing. Board members stressed student safety, noting prior “lost kid” incidents and supporting the investment despite start-up complexity.
The board moved to approve the purchase agreement and carried the motion by voice vote. Staff said implementation would begin with summer-school rollout and full deployment for the following school year, with training and a phased rollout for devices and card distribution.
