As ESSER funds come to an end, school board considers transportation, staffing

Summerland Public Schools will potentially add two vehicles to its fleet, using Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds to pay the bill.

The district currently has $153,629 in untapped pandemic-related federal funds available.

During the board's April meeting, held Monday, Superintendent Kyle Finke suggested the district purchase a 65-passenger Thomas bus with approximately 32,000 miles, for $92,650.

"It's coming off a lease," he said.

A year ago, the district purchased a bus with a price tag of nearly $116,000.

A second option is a Chevy extended-passenger van. The unit has 7,700 miles and will cost $49,900.

After those purchases, the remaining amount - approximately $11,000 - could be earmarked for Title 1 salaries.

"Title 1 doesn't take care of all of our salary needs," Finke said.

Finke said he checked into playground equipment for preschool; however, per the Davis-Bacon Act, the district would be required to hire contractors and subcontractors performing work on federal projects.

“We’re on a time factor, too,” said business manager Sally Finch.

ESSER funds must be used by Sept. 30.

Finke said the district would have purchased new science curriculum with the funding. Elementary principal Cathy Cooper said the decision was made to postpone purchasing a new curriculum since two new educators will join the district.

“The current program meets the standards,” she said during her administrative report.

The district will wait a year to look at a new curriculum.

Since the pandemic, the district has used ESSER funds to purchase new reading and mathematics curriculum and fill staffing positions, including paraprofessionals and a reading coach.

Board president Steven Thiele asked if other transportation options were considered. According to Finke, the earliest availability for a new bus, from Cornhusker International, will be in 2025. Pricing for a new bus would run $160,000.

“If you were to go out and get a new bus, you’d have to get in line and wait until 2025 to get it,” Finke said.

The superintendent said he’s spoken to other district officials who have purchased a leased bus and they reported they’ve had good luck.

Thiele asked if the district could wait a month if the matter was tabled. Finke said he’d be worried if the vehicles would still be available.

With board approval, Finke will send an amendment to the Nebraska Department of Education, along with a capital assets form, for approval.

“It’s usually done in a day,” he said.

The superintendent noted that a transportation purchasing plan will need to be implemented since some vehicles in the district’s fleet are “starting to look a little rough.”

Scott Thiele asked if a district official will test drive the van prior to purchase. Finke said he will test drive it before agreeing to the purchase.

In other business, the board

• Approved a contract for Jacob Birch, for the junior/senior high school principal and athletic director position, for the 2024-2025 year.

• Hired Levi Napier, of Ewing, to fill a custodial position. Napier has experience with heating, ventilation and air conditioning and plumbing He also possesses a commercial driver’s license.

• Learned the final day of the school year will be a full day, instead of a half day as planned, due to snow days.

“There’s no leeway now,” Finke said. The elementary will meet the required 1,035 hours. With the addition of the half day, the junior/senior high school will be right at the required 1,080 hours.

• Accepted a milk bid from Hiland Roberts. Milk prices will increase two cents per carton, while orange juice cartons will have a four-cent boost. Cottage cheese and sour cream prices will remain the same.