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Board approves five-year transportation contract as contractor warns of rising vehicle costs
Summary
The board approved a five-year contract with Family Transportation after the company outlined rising bus replacement and maintenance costs, driver wage increases, and fleet-age considerations; some members abstained on the vote.
The Clinton Elementary School board approved a five-year transportation contract with Family Transportation after hearing a presentation from the company about operating costs, fleet condition and driver staffing.
A Family Transportation representative summarized the proposal and said the company has provided bus service to Clinton for decades. "We've been running school buses for Clinton since the seventies," the presenter said, and cited contract figures presented to the board (the packet referenced a number $56,755). He warned that new vehicle prices are rising — "the new bus is 186,000 for diesel, electric or 450,000" — and noted used low‑mileage buses are scarce and tend to require more maintenance.
Board members asked about driver counts, insurance and maintenance. The presenter said his operation has eight drivers covering Clinton and Bonner routes and confirmed he recently increased driver wages. He said extracurricular trip rates are below cost and that he has used grants to obtain some electric buses, but cautioned about future replacement costs.
After discussion, the board moved and seconded the contract approval. The chair called the vote; the motion passed. Meeting record shows multiple "ayes"; two members recorded abstentions during the vote, and one member (James) was excused shortly afterward.
Why it matters: transportation is a core operational contract for the district and carries direct cost implications for the general fund. The contractor’s presentation highlighted replacement costs, driver staffing and the role of federal grants in bus acquisition.
What’s next: The approved contract will govern routes and rates for the term agreed; the board and staff will continue to monitor insurance and maintenance details as the contract is implemented.
Ending note: Board discussion emphasized maintaining safe equipment while balancing community costs.
