By Howard Packowitz
NORMAL – Memories of a transportation debacle in August were fresh in the minds of Unit Five school board members Wednesday night, as they approved spending up to $3.5 million to buy a fleet of school buses and transit vans.
Complicated routes, late and overcrowded buses plagued the district the first several weeks of the school year, calling into question the performance of administrators and the busing contractor, First Student.
“Part of our changes in what we’ve done this year in regards to transportation is because of funding,” superintendent Mark Daniel told news partner WMBD-TV. “If we don’t get those payments, we will certainly be in greater deficit.”
Board members John Trask and Gail Ann Briggs called on administrators to perfect a communication plan with First Student and with the public. Business manager Marty Hickman said he expects delivery of the 54 buses and half-dozen transit vans to arrive in 12 to 14 weeks. Hickman added the purchase eliminates the need to rent buses from First Student.
Four Unit Five elementary schools will have new principals when the next school year begins. The board tabbed Moe Backe as principal at Glenn. Former Glenn principal Julia Schoonover moves to Fox Creek, as Dennis Lafson assumes other administrative duties. Sarah Edwards becomes principal at Grove Elementary, replacing Tina Fogal, who takes over at Pepper Ridge.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at howard.packowitz@cumulus.com.
