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School 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, acknowledging bids came in higher than budgeted and citing efficiency measures and a forthcoming ridership survey to manage 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 after a motion and voice vote on the item.
Chair opened discussion by noting the district had gone out to bid jointly with Smithfield to pursue economies of scale; staff said all bids were significantly higher than budgeted but that First Student submitted the lowest long-term price. "I'm pleased with the number that First Student came back with; over the five-year term it was a more advantageous deal," said Dr. McNamara. Officials said projected savings appear in years four and five, and that a ridership survey and recommendations from a Rhode Island Department of Education transportation-efficiency study will inform final reconciliations to the budgeted figure.
Committee members asked how fuel-price fluctuations are handled under the contract. Staff replied the contract specifications include baseline and adjustment provisions intended to protect both parties from fuel volatility; specifics will be put into the contract language and addressed in follow-up negotiations. The committee voted by voice to approve the award; the motion carried.
