School Bus Purchases
The Clearview Board of Trustees approved a half a million dollar purchase for five new school buses during their last meeting.
On March 1, the Board approved a plan to replace five buses for the 2018-19 school year at a cost of $500,973.60. The division will be purchasing one 46-passenger bus, two 52-passenger buses, and two 70-passenger school buses that will replace older models in the Clearview fleet.
The new buses will include air ride systems, which staff say will provide better safety benefits for students riding to and from school.
Tenders were sent in over the last month from three busing companies: Kirkman (Bluebird), Western IC (International) and Bus Centre (Thomas).
During the Board’s Feb. 8 meeting, the amortization budget for school buses was discussed. The amount set aside for vehicles was $443,986, with additional restricted reserves of $26,501, for a total of $470,487.
The Board was told any differences in pricing could be addressed through Transportation Services reserves.
At the time, trustees requested pricing on either four or five school buses: three 46-passenger and two (or one) 70-passenger buses.
Capital Plan
Every year, the Alberta Government reaches out to school divisions to confirm their capital priorities for the coming year. These can be for things like school modernizations, or new classroom spaces.
As the magnitude of these projects requires funding from higher levels of government, a Capital Plan is submitted each year to list the division’s top priorities.
Clearview’s Capital Plan lists two main capital priorities: the modernization of the former Junior High section in the Stettler School Complex, and two modular classroom units for Gus Wetter School in Castor.
This year’s plan is very similar to last year’s, with further consideration to a building expansion at Gus Wetter School if a modular request is not approved.
Decisions to proceed with funding these projects will be made by the Alberta Government. When funding Capital Plans, the need for building improvements is assessed and prioritized under: health and safety, building condition, enrollment pressures, functionality, and legal mandates (such as Francophone education).
During their March 1 meeting, the Board heard the average cost per modular is $330,000, without connecting corridors. If the modular units were to be attached to the structure, a higher amount would have to be considered.
Based on Clearview’s current estimates, $850,000 to $1,000,000 would be recommended for this project to account for all contingencies.
landin.chambers@stettlerindependent.com
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