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District examines vocational busing, fuel contracts and athletics fees to trim operations costs
Summary
Administrators told the board vocational transport to the Newcastle Career Center costs roughly $31,000–$33,000 and reviewed options — minibuses, centralized pickups and fuel contracting — while discussing whether to raise a $10 athlete transportation fee that currently brought in $6,580 this year.
Nettle Creek School administrators and transportation staff reviewed operations items that could reduce costs without immediate personnel cuts, focusing on vocational busing, athletics travel and fuel procurement.
Administration estimated the cost of transporting vocational students to Newcastle at roughly $31,000–$33,000 annually for eight to ten students, covering multiple daily runs. "33,000, to transport," Mrs. Shafer said while discussing the routing and number of trips.
Board members asked whether the district could use smaller vehicles or ride‑share students with other districts to reduce cost; transportation staff said a minibus or an 8‑passenger vehicle can be used for school‑to‑school trips but that driver licensing, insurance and training requirements must be met. Staff cautioned small vehicles should not replace full‑size buses for standard home‑to‑school routes.
Officials reviewed athletics and extracurricular travel costs: a two‑year, rough estimate showed about $10,500 in fuel and roughly $21,006 in minimum driver wages for baseline trips, and athletics currently charges a $10 per‑athlete fee that generated $6,580 this year. Board members discussed the possibility of raising the fee and extending similar fees to non‑athletic ECAs but expressed concern that higher fees could become barriers to participation.
Transportation staff described contracting fixed fuel volumes at set prices as a way to smooth volatile daily fuel prices. "One of the options is possibly going to, contracted fuel instead of just cash prices," a staff member explained, noting contracting can reduce unpredictability but does not guarantee lower overall cost if prices drop after contracts are signed.
The board asked staff for comparisons with neighboring districts, a more detailed cost‑benefit of maintaining district vehicle fleet versus renting, and a breakdown of athletic and concession account profitability for policy decisions.
The board did not take votes but directed administrators to return with data and options to inform decisions about vehicle procurement, routing, fees and possible contractual procurement for fuel.
