Board approves bus purchase

Another school bus will be added to the Summerland Public School fleet following action taken by the board of education when they met Sept. 11.

According to transportation supervisor James Ramold, a new bus will need to be purchased in each of the next two years before the rotation can resume to a two-year cycle.

Superintendent Molly Aschoff said, "After looking at bills, we've spent a lot of money of that bus of Tony's (Shrader)."

Aschoff suggested purchasing a 2021 Freightliner for $93,350.

"It's a little less than what we paid for the last one (with ESSER funds," the superintendent added.

The purchase would be made from the depreciation fund. One of the older buses will be removed from the fleet and offered for sale by sealed bids.

Board member Scott Thiele said concerns had been raised about the latest bus purchase in regards to hydraulic brakes repair.

"Is it worth talking to the mechanics who work on them?"

Thiele said area mechanics were concerned with the possibility of the brake lines rusting.

Jeremy Wagner asked how many drivers possess an air-brake endorsement.

"Will it paint us into a corner?" He asked.

The board called Ramold for clarification. He said air brakes are typically a special order.

Ramold said one of the buses in the fleet, either a 2016 or 2017 model, has hydraulic brakes and has 80- to 90,000 miles.

"It would take a long time, I would think, for those hydraulic lines to rust bad enough," Ramold said.

He estimated a new bus with air brakes would run the district $135,000 to $140,000.

"The quickest you can get an International is 2025. Freightliner through Fall 2025 or Spring 2026," Ramold said.

"We can keep looking if you prefer," Aschoff said.

The board unanimously approved the purchase.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the 2024-2025 budget and tax request.

• Offered a nine-month work agreement to Vernon Parker, for a custodial position, for the 2024-25 school year. Wanda Henning will work in the kitchen when school is in session and will continue custodial duties during summer months.

• Updated policies to be in compliance with state statutes.

• Declared a list of shop items obsolete.