Finance committee advances DH Transportation contract with 4% rate increase

Chair Carl called the finance committee of the Watertown School Board to order and heard an overview of the district’s transportation contracts from staff member Beth. Beth said the district uses two contractors: Rightway for most general-education routes (a 10-year contract that will expire at the end of 2027–28) and DH Transportation for special-education routes, which is renewed annually. "That company is called DH Transportation," Beth said, and she told the committee both Rightway and DH are proposing a 4% rate increase.

Beth explained the 4% increase is higher than last year’s CPI (2.63) but consistent with expected fuel and operating costs for transportation. Committee member Gelain sought confirmation that Rightway covered general education and that DH serves specially equipped buses for students with IEP-specific pick-ups; staff confirmed fixed routes exist for special-education runs and that most changes are timing and rate adjustments. The committee discussed timing for an eventual RFP on regular routes and the cancellation notice requirements built into long contracts.

Chair Carl moved to forward the DH Transportation contract to the full board for resolution, and Committee member Craig seconded the motion; the committee agreed to move the item forward for board action. The committee did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript; the action is recorded as a recommendation to the board.