Eagle Point SD 9 plans new bus radio network and routing tablets as hiring improves

Eagle Point School District 9 officials on Feb. 9 described a multi‑part transportation upgrade that they say will improve bus-to‑dispatch communications, support trip logistics and reduce driver workload as the district fills vacancies.

Mister Squires, the district’s transportation presenter, told the board the district has selected a repeater/trunked radio network (DayWireless on a Turbo West network using Motorola equipment) after field testing by two vendors. He said the system will expand coverage along the I‑5 corridor and into parts of Oregon and Idaho and allow drivers and dispatch to communicate across long distances: "When we send a bus to Portland, we will be able to pick up the radio and talk to that bus in Portland," Squires said.

District staff explained the procurement and cost structure. Initial hardware costs were reported at about $49,000 and annual service at just under $10,000; because these are transportation costs the district expects roughly 70% state reimbursement, leaving the district responsible for about 30% of the reported amounts, a staff member said. The district chose DayWireless after testing because it offered comparable coverage at a lower price than the other bidder.

Board members asked technical questions about whether radios operate point‑to‑point or on a trunked system, whether drivers can talk directly to one another, and whether private one‑to‑one channels are possible for confidential incidents. Squires said the system will include a network channel and a separate bus‑to‑bus channel and can be programmed to isolate communications when needed.

The board also received an update on hiring and training for drivers. Squires said the district received eight applications; three drivers are already active, three are in training, and two have just started the initial computer‑based ELDT (Entry Level Driver Training) curriculum required for commercial licensing. The district reported converting a prior stipend into hourly pay — a raise cited as approximately $2.46 — and provided a pay range for bus drivers from about $20.06 up to $28.53 per hour; staff noted annual cost‑of‑living adjustments and benefits as additional components of total compensation.

Squires outlined other technology changes. The district is piloting Traverza routing tablets mounted on buses to give turn‑by‑turn directions, automate student check‑on/check‑off and create maintenance work orders automatically. Staff said routing updates can now be pushed back to the student information system (Synergy) and parents will be able to view updated stop and bus information in ParentVUE after the testing phase.

On safety features, the district said it currently does not have stop‑arm cameras fitted to its fleet (some buses have interior cameras for student behavior). Drivers are required to report dangerous passes and staff forward those reports to local law enforcement so officers can investigate and cite if appropriate.

Looking ahead, staff said crews expect to install radio hardware during spring break and begin using the network immediately for spring sports and field trips; the district will monitor coverage in remote mountain valleys and consider supplemental options (including limited satellite devices) if needed.

The board did not take any final procurement vote in the work session; staff said details and formal action will be handled in the public meeting or as an action item once final quotes and schedules are confirmed.