Two route buses have recently had mechanical issues; the regular route bus and the spare, or “back up bus.” As a result of these mechanical problems the Supt. sent out requests for bids on Monday, March 28 for a used bus to three dealers of used buses. The bid specifications called for a 47 passenger diesel powered bus with an automatic transmission and fewer than 30,000 miles.
Monday afternoon a special meeting of the Board of Education was called for noon on Tuesday, March 29.
The following members were able to be present: President Jennifer Boller, Vice-President Scott Ellis, Steve Berry, April Karnopp, Craig Renner and Robert Wyatt. Unable to attend was Chris Harting. A waiver of 24 hour notice was signed by the members present.
Bids were received from three vendors, but only one bus being bid met the minimum specifications.
After discussion regarding the need for another bus and whether to buy used or to send out bids for a new bus, it was moved by Craig Renner and seconded by Scott Ellis that the bid from American Bus Sales of Owasso, OK be accepted (if not already sold) for a 2008 Blue Bird Vision 47 passenger conventional bus; diesel powered with automatic transmission and mileage in the “25,000 mile range” at a cost $64,750. (It was noted in the discussion that a new 2011 Blue Bird 53 passenger recently purchased by a Kansas School District had cost $81,000.) the motion was approved 6-0.
The meeting was adjourned 12:18 p.m.