Board approves renewal of HopSkipDrive transportation contract for homeless students

The USD 453 Board of Education voted unanimously Aug. 10 to renew a contract with HopSkipDrive to provide transportation services for homeless students.

Board members raised questions about the contract’s estimated cost before the vote. ‘‘So are you saying that the $60,060… figure may is an estimate?’’ asked Miss Overby, pressing staff for clarity on whether the district would necessarily spend the full amount. Miss Maddox, the staff presenter, said the figure is an annual estimate and actual spending varies by student need: "It is very much on a case by case basis depending on the need of the student." She told the board the district spent about $28,000 on the service last year and typically served roughly nine students when usage occurred sporadically.

Board member Mister Darling moved to accept the HopSkipDrive services bid; Miss Murphy seconded. The motion passed 7-0.

Why it matters: the contract covers transportation required under federal and state obligations for students lacking fixed housing; staff noted the service is turnkey for the district (background checks and insurance are handled by the provider), but the board flagged the cost as an item to monitor in future budget work.

Next steps: staff will continue to manage cases as needs arise and report expenditures as part of the district’s budget monitoring.