Ogallala schools to buy 2016 Thomas Mini SPED bus to replace aging 2010 vehicle; scoreboard declared surplus

The Ogallala School District #1 Board of Education authorized the purchase of a 2016 Thomas Mini SPED bus to replace a 2010 SPED bus after Superintendent Gene Russel told members the older vehicle "has started having maintenance issues." The board approved proceeding with the purchase during its June 16 meeting.

Mr. Russel framed the purchase as necessary to address ongoing maintenance concerns with the 2010 vehicle, which has accumulated mileage and required repeated repairs. Following discussion, a motion to proceed with the purchase was made by Tim Ryan, seconded by Amanda Christensen, and carried with five ayes; one board member was absent.

The board also considered the disposition of an AUD scoreboard. Mr. Russel said the scoreboard has no value to the district and proposed donating it rather than seeking sealed bids. The board declared the AUD scoreboard surplus property and authorized Mr. Russel to handle disposal and donation.

Separately, Mr. Russel noted that the district needs an average of 12–15 qualified substitutes per day during active sports seasons and said the district will review substitute pay at a future meeting with comparative data from other districts. In his superintendent's report, Mr. Russel also described continuing modernization work at Ogallala High School — new flooring, bathroom fixtures and a wall mural — and invited board members to request a tour. President Doug Davis commended OHS Principal John O'Neil for his work on the project.

Both the bus purchase and the surplus declaration carried unanimously among members present. The board adjourned at 6:06 p.m.