Committee moves to buy a van after presenters calculate roughly $182,000 in potential transportation savings

Committee members reviewed multiple scenarios to reduce specialized-transportation costs and then moved to purchase a second van.

A staff transportation presenter explained three cost-saving options: partner with neighboring districts to cost-share costly routes, double up nearby runs, and operate an in-district van for specialized routes. The presenter said those scenarios together could yield roughly $182,000 in savings compared with existing runs.

The presenter provided a range of vehicle cost estimates and operating assumptions: an outright purchase price example of about $63,000 for a pre-owned van, estimated first-year operating costs (maintenance, fuel and insurance) that raised a first-year outlay to roughly $78,000, and lower recurring costs in subsequent years. The group also discussed a five-year financing example and cautioned that market interest rates change daily.

Accessibility, insurance and staffing were considered. The presenter said neighboring-district vans already include wheelchair lifts for some runs and that the district could purchase a van with the option to add wheelchair accessibility later; presenters noted that operating wheelchair-accessible runs could require additional backup capacity. On staffing, presenters said custodial/unit‑C staff are in the same bargaining classification as van drivers and could be offered runs rather than hiring a separate full‑time driver.

Motion and vote: A committee member moved to purchase a second van; the committee approved the motion by voice vote (members said "aye" and no opposition or abstentions were recorded in the transcript). The motion language as recorded in the meeting was "move that we buy a van." The transcript does not record a named mover or a roll-call tally.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with procurement options and return with firm cost estimates, financing details and recommended operating procedures (including accessibility options and staffing plans).