District hears activity-bus fleet update; new buses cost about $145,000 with year-plus lead times

Ross Hunter, the district's transportation lead, told the Clover School District Board of Trustees the district's activity (extracurricular) fleet includes older type-A 20-passenger buses from 2000–2004, two out-of-service type-D buses, and a majority of type-C Freightliner-style buses that are used most often. He described recurring maintenance issues such as interior mold on smaller buses and cosmetic work needed on several vehicles.

Hunter said newer buses provide safety and maintenance advantages — "disc brakes are a lot better," and newer models feature LED lighting and illuminated stop-arms. "If we order a brand new bus today, you're looking at about a $145,000, and we're gonna take 12 to 14 months for delivery," he said, and noted recalls and emerging vehicle technology can complicate delivery and reliability timelines. To meet near-term needs he outlined a used-bus option: 2016 models with 90,000–110,000 miles that can be available as soon as this summer after dealer refurbishment.

Board members asked about mileage and lifecycle estimates; Hunter estimated recently delivered buses run about 12,000–17,000 miles per year and older equipment can reach roughly 300,000 miles before retirement. He recommended creating a replacement cycle and suggested the district try to add about 12 activity buses over the next two years to support the three new schools planned to open. Hunter also discussed regulatory limits on paint and markings: to use a bus for daily student pickup it must retain required yellow paint, stop-arm equipment and DOT reflective tape.