Staff writer
USD 408 will get a second motor coach to use instead of a standard school bus for middle school students and other students.
Purchase of the 49-seat motor coach was unanimously approved at a special meeting of the school board Thursday morning.
The board also voted to get rid of two standard school buses that might require $8,000 in repairs to pass mandated annual inspection in the fall.
Superintendent Lee Leiker told board members that one of the buses was approaching the 25-year limit state law allows for buses to be used for transporting children.
Leiker recommended buying the used 2001 Bluebird LCT-40 motor coach for $69,900. It has 65,000 miles on it.
The district already owns one motor coach, but Leiker said simultaneous activities in different locations meant the district often used standard yellow buses for activities.
“If we had a second activity bus, that would allow us to take students to all the activities,” Leiker said.
Disposal of two yellow buses and purchase of the motor coach will mean the district will have 12 in its fleet. Two buses will be used as spares, he said.
“I think we’ll be in great shape to have all the buses we need,” Leiker said.
The district is looking to hire two drivers to fill vacancies.
Drivers need commercial licenses with passenger certification as well as first aid and CPR certification. Leiker said the district would pay for training if needed.
“People don’t have to have those certifications to apply,” he said.