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Committee approves five-year student transportation contract with First Student
Summary
The Lincoln School Committee voted to award a five-year student transportation services contract to First Student (07/01/2026–06/30/2031) after staff said the long-term bid offered savings in years four and five despite higher-than-budgeted costs.
The Lincoln School Committee voted to award a five-year student transportation services contract to First Student covering 07/01/2026 through 06/30/2031.
Chair (S1) introduced the item, saying the district went to bid jointly with Smithfield to “improve economy of scale” and noted that "transportation costs across the state have jumped significantly." Staff member (S2) told the committee the winning bid was financially advantageous over the full five-year term, adding that “our savings really appear in years 4 and 5.” The committee acknowledged that all bidders’ numbers were higher than the district had budgeted and said staff will return in June with reconciliation recommendations.
Committee members discussed contract mechanics and contingencies for fuel-price changes. When a member asked whether fuel fluctuations would trigger renegotiation, Staff member (S2) described a baseline and adjustment mechanism in the contract intended to protect vendors while accounting for price changes. The committee voted on the motion to award the contract; the motion carried.
Next steps: staff said they will meet with stakeholders to examine routing, ridership commitments, and potential bell-time adjustments intended to improve efficiency and reduce costs over the life of the contract.
