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District weighing end to Tri Tech busing as costs near $90,000
Summary
District leaders told the board Tri Tech busing could cost about $90,000 next school year for two daily runs while average ridership is ~15 students per bus; administrators recommended considering discontinuing district busing unless a cost‑sharing partner is found, and board members raised safety and equity questions.
District administrators told the board the projected cost to run two daily buses to the Tri Tech career center could be about $90,000 for the next school year while ridership has been low.
The presenter said ridership averages roughly 15 students per bus and about 44 students are currently enrolled in Tri Tech programs. "Our projected cost for that next year... for that bus to go twice a day to Tri Tech is $90,000," the presenter said and recommended the board consider discontinuing district busing for Tri Tech for 2026–27 unless other districts or partners share costs.
Board members pushed back on the recommendation on safety grounds: one member warned canceling the bus could increase the number of parents driving students on highways, creating more risk than a professionally driven bus. Another board member suggested exploring splitting to a single trip or coordinating with Ben Franklin Transit or neighboring districts to reduce cost. The presenter said Tri Tech leadership had offered to meet and explore cost‑sharing or co‑op options.
No final decision was made; the item was presented for discussion and further exploration, and staff will gather ridership and parent transportation data and meet with Tri Tech representatives.
