Clarkston schools is considering a $4 million bus purchase this year.
Kevin Bickerstaff, Transportation Department head, presented a plan to Clarkston Board of Education, Nov. 10.
He recommends the purchase of 53 buses, including 40 77-passenger buses, eight 30-passenger buses, and five 18-passenger buses each with three wheelchair stations, from Hoekstra Transportation for $4,121,264.
Bids were also received from Capital City Bus Sales and Holland Bus Sales.
Seat belts for the 77-passenger buses, which are not required but recommended by Bickerstaff, would cost $340,000.
Administrative fees for use of the Michigan School Business Officials bid would cost $1,250.
Over the past 17 years, the district has been replacing and upgrading its bus fleet every three years, Bickerstaff said.
Three years ago, the district bought 53 buses from Hoekstra Transportation for $4,097,061. The buses would be sold back to Hoekstra for about $2.5 million.
“As the fleet gets older, you spend money on parts ? it’s virtually the same money,” he said. “Some districts buy older buses from other districts and scavenge parts to keep them running. To me, education dollars can be spent better than putting good money into older buses.”
Options also include adding seven more buses for $400,000 to eliminate shuttle runs, as well as GPS, cameras, student trackers, and other technology.
“There are some fantastic things now,” Bickerstaff said.
At the request of board Secretary Craig Hamilton, Bickerstaff will provide a cost comparison between three-year buyback and long-term purchase. The school board will consider the purchase at a future meeting.