Board approves five-year renewal with First Student after revised contract terms

The Phoenix-Talent School District 4 Board voted Feb. 4 to approve a revised five-year renewal with First Student for the district's student-transportation services. The motion to approve was made by Diana Rasmussen and seconded by Polly Farrimond; the measure passed 4–0, with three directors absent.

Superintendent Brent Barry reviewed the process leading to the final proposal, saying First Student presented a "newly revised five-year extension proposal which included a new compensation structure, a re-negotiation provision, a termination clause, a facility lease adjustment and wage increase adjustments." Board discussion focused on pricing and contract length before the vote. Diana Rasmussen moved, "I move to approve the First Student revised 5-year renewal extension as presented," and the motion carried.

The board recorded the vote as: Michael Campbell — Yea; Polly Farrimond — Yea; Diana Rasmussen — Yea; Rebecca Weathers — Yea; Nancy Castillo-McKinnis, Dawn Watson and Rick Nagel — Absent. The contract renewal will proceed under the negotiated terms; the district did not specify final dollar amounts during the meeting.