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District says nonpublic busing is largely reimbursed; transportation remains a significant fixed cost
Summary
Administrators said transportation is a roughly $20 million budget item, projected to rise about 6.5% next year, and that nonpublic transportation costs are generally reimbursed by the state (about 90%), though gains during the year are not reimbursed until next year.
The district presented transportation as a major, but controlled, portion of the budget: a $20 million item projected to increase about 6.5% for 2025–26. Administrators emphasized the scale of the system (thousands of daily riders and a multi-tier routing model) and explained a multi-year fleet replacement and lease program.
"We are reimbursed, generally speaking, over 90% of the cost," said Mr. Dohring when asked about the impact of nonpublic student transportation on local taxpayers. Officials noted a problem with timing of reimbursement: the state's reimbursement is tied to the October 15 trigger date, so students added after that date drive local-year costs that are not reimbursed until the following year.
Administrators also outlined a five-year rolling lease program for buses and noted the district will need to replace 18 buses over the next five years as units reach retirement age.
