The district’s 2021 bond program allotted $12 million for the purchase of buses, according to meeting documents. MISD expects to buy buses in three separate transactions, the documents stated. The first purchase of 55 buses was approved at a March 22 meeting for about $7.3 million.
The second purchase of buses costs a little more than $9 million, according to meeting documents. This tranche consists of 57 77-passenger buses and 18 48-passenger buses, which accommodate wheelchairs. The remaining costs not covered by the bond will come from unused funds from other district projects.
The 2021 bond program allows MISD to own its buses, which is a change from the previous structure of renting from Durham School Services. The change also shifts the capital expense of buses from the maintenance and operating fund to the interest and sinking fund, meeting documents stated.
The two purchases would bring the total number of MISD-owned buses to 130 buses. This year, the district uses 172 buses from Durham School Services, said Jason Bird, deputy superintendent of business, operations, accountability and technology.
The third purchase of buses will be a few years down the line, said Bird, when the district has a better idea of the year's savings.
Longhorn Bus Sales, the supplier, estimated the district would receive the buses in about 270 days, although supply-chain issues could delay the arrival. Most surrounding school districts buy their buses from Longhorn, according to meeting documents.
