Tucker County board approves purchase of two school buses, including handicap-accessible vehicle

The Tucker County Board of Education voted to buy two buses to bolster a shrinking transportation fleet and to secure a handicap-accessible vehicle for a student with mobility needs. The board approved the purchase unanimously.

Director (S3) told the board the district obtained three quotes and can buy a leftover Bluebird bus now for $159,182 rather than waiting and paying an estimated $170,875 next year. He said the district will use county funds to buy that ready bus and will invoice the second, handicap-accessible bus after July 1 so it draws on next year’s bus allotment. "We are asking to purchase 2 buses," S3 said, noting one will be bought now with county money and one will be invoiced after the new budget year begins.

Transportation staff (S2) and board members discussed equipment and capacity specifics: whether the bus has required radio equipment, seating configurations (a 77-chassis reduced to a 66-passenger layout for locking wheelchairs), and DOT/BMT approval for some lighting components. S2 said the district has at least one out-for-repair bus and expects to receive the immediately available bus before the school year ends.

Board members pressed on funding and timing. S3 explained the handicap bus is needed immediately to ensure necessary equipment is installed and ready for the start of the school year; he put the higher-cost handicap bus at $187,967. S2 suggested considering a county-wide handicap bus match in the future to reduce aid costs.

A motion to approve purchasing two buses (one funded now with county funds and one funded from next year’s allotment and invoiced after July 1) passed on a recorded vote noted in the transcript as 5–0.

The district will schedule installation of required equipment and complete any DOT/inspector approvals before the vehicles enter service.