Randolph School Board looks at bussing options

RANDOLPH — Randolph School Board members considered three options for their future bussing program during their Feb. 18 meeting. No decision was reached.

Jerry Synovec is retiring as coordinator from the bus program. Board members have the option of replacing him, paying mileage to parents or signing some type of contract with Mid States School Bus Inc. of Wayne.

Dean Carroll of Mid States School Bus Inc. spoke with board members about their options with his company.

“We work with all sizes of programs,’’ Carroll said. “We work with 17 school districts with 200 buses that are inspected five times a year. We are proactive with service and have our own mechanics so our down time is minimal,” he said.

They offer a variety of services. With some schools, such as Columbus Lakeview, his company runs the daily bus routes, but  not the activities bus, he said.

This is not a cheaper option for Randolph, he told the Board

“It is cheaper to do the busing program yourself, however it depends upon how much time a superintendent has to work with it,” he said. “We usually buy the school’s fleet of buses and take over everything. We hire existing drivers, however we don’t offer benefits. We use #1 fuel which is more expensive, yet we feel is worthwhile to not have fuel gel up in cold and leave students sitting somewhere. Your bus barn and shop can be given to us or you can charge us to use it. We also have a shuttle service.’’

Randolph has three and a half bus routes.

Board members said they will consider all the information before making a decision.

Also Monday, elementary principal Mary Miller received a new contract.

The school calendar was approved. Four-day school weeks were put into January, February and March months because of colder weather.

Membership in the Association of School Boards was reapproved.

Miller said 80 percent of parents attended parent-teacher conferences. She said a 100 percent attendance rate was achieved for kindergarten.

The science fair will be March 7 from 6:30 to 7 p.m., Miller told the Board. She said Kindergarten round-up will be March 27.

Preschool census determined 25 eligible students, however the program has room for only 20 students. The school may have to have a waiting list.

Principal Dennis Bazata said 41 percent of 7-12 grade parents attended parent-teacher conferences.

Bazata said students are participating in KTCH Quiz Bowl on Feb. 21 and have made it through several rounds.

Board member Cody Backer asked about recognition for state champion wrestlers in the gym. Bazata said they have recognition in the trophy case.

The school is looking into a rewiring project. Engineer costs would be $18,000. Both gyms would be redone according to what the fire marshall tells the school to do. A high school flooring project is underway.

Board members are also considering changing their meeting night to the second Monday.

To read more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition https://etypeservices.com/Northeast%20Nebraska%20News%20CompanyID379/