Byron board approves four-year lease for replacement bus to address aging fleet

District staff told the Byron board on April 6 that an opportunity existed to lease a ready-made replacement bus rather than wait a year to order a new vehicle. The proposed lease was described as a four-year term; staff said the financing option avoids a balloon payment and estimated payments were "just under $40,000" (the transcript does not fully specify the payment schedule).

Board members discussed the trade-offs of owning versus contracting out transportation, warranty coverage and likely mileage over the term. Staff said some districts contract bus services while others maintain ownership; the district's geography and mileage needs were cited as factors in favor of retaining district-controlled transportation.

A motion to lease the bus as presented was moved and seconded; the board voted to approve the lease. No amendments or alternative financing terms were recorded in the public transcript.

Next steps: Staff will finalize lease paperwork and return any required contract documents to the board or administratively per district procurement rules.