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Committee approves preschool-transportation contracts amid steep cost increases
Summary
The committee approved multiple preschool-transportation contracts for summer and the 10‑month school year despite concerns about high bids and a roughly $480,000 anticipated budget increase; staff said routes are state-mandated under IEPs.
Health department staff presented bids for preschool transportation from 07/01/2026 through 06/30/2027 and recommended award to the low bidders on several contract lots. Examples cited: 1st Student Inc. at an estimated $138.75 per child for one contract, Transpo Bus Services at $88.75 per child for another, and Bernie Bus Service at $550 per child for a separate lot.
Committee members discussed the sharp increases in cost. S3 said other counties are seeing similar spikes and that one county reported a 75% increase for preschool transportation in the past two years; S14 noted the county had increased its budget earlier in anticipation of higher costs and estimated a roughly $480,000 increase. Members emphasized that transportation for IEP placements is mandated and the county has limited options to avoid rising prices.
The committee moved and seconded approval for both the short-term summer contracts and the 10‑month school-year contracts; the motion carried. Staff said they will proceed with contract execution and monitor costs.
The committee also discussed longer-term options such as exploring county-run transportation as a potential cost-savings measure but noted staffing and fluctuating demand as obstacles.
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