Trustees approved the creation of the transportation department and reviewed a transportation logistics plan at an April 30 work session. LISD Superintendent Lori Rapp announced that the district hired Dana Chandler as the director of transportation for the district.
Chandler will oversee the transition from contracted services through Texas Central School Bus Services to an in-house model. Rapp added that the district started looking for alternative transportation solutions because of service issues with Texas Central School Bus Services.
What you need to know
LISD’s contract for bus and logistics services is set to expire July 30, according to district documents. Rapp said the district put out a request for proposal for a contract provider, and after reviewing proposals, staff found that it would result in a $3 million to $5 million increase of the current cost.
“It’s going to be a transition; they’re going to have to be patient with us,” Rapp said. “We believe in the long-term that this will pay benefits not only in the budget but also in quality of service to our families.”
The district would need $3.7 million to provide a 1% midpoint raise for all staff, Rapp added. LISD trustees adopted a $4.5 million shortfall for the fiscal year 2024-25 and approved a one-time payment in lieu of a 1% midpoint raise last December.
By bringing transportation services in-house, the expected increase from the fiscal year 2024-25 cost is about $2 million, per district documents. LISD also owns all of the necessary buses, having purchased 286 in 2020, Rapp said.
Diving deeper
The anticipated starting compensation for the district’s bus drivers is $23 per hour, while bus monitor pay starts at $15 per hour.
“One of the advantages for them to be employed by us is that they get to go into the Teacher Retirement System,” Rapp said. “We are working through the frequency of pay because Texas Central pays them weekly. We’re also working through some things because, often in the summer, they draw unemployment.”
Rapp said the district plans to bring a budget amendment forward in June to help cover the costs of the transition before the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year Aug. 31.
Looking ahead
Trustees are expected to receive an update on staffing and the district’s hazardous roadway plan at the May 5 work session, according to district documents.
“This is a perfect opportunity as we build our new transportation center,” board President Jenny Proznik said. “I look forward to welcoming more members into the LISD family, and I ask for LISD families to have some grace in August and September as we take this on.”
Rapp said district staff are also working on potential changes with the transportation logistics software, including potential replacement, but those updates would not be ready prior to the start of the 2025-26 school year.
“There are opportunities for efficiency,” Rapp said. “There are things we could be doing with the current software and app that would be better for families. In the long-term, we will propose an upgrade to software and a different approach.”
