District staff say transportation provider asked to open early renewal talks; board weighs RFP vs renewal

Business/operations staff told the board that the district’s current transportation contractor approached the district asking to begin early renewal conversations for a contract that expires in June 2026.

Marina (staff) said the district has an existing contract and is under no obligation to begin early talks, but the provider reported staffing stability and asked for early discussions. Board members expressed mixed views: several praised the current vendor’s responsiveness and professionalism and noted improved service (fewer driver shortages, separate preschool buses, on-time operations). Others suggested the district should go out for a request for proposals (RFP) for a contract of this size rather than negotiating early renewal, to ensure competitive pricing.

Administrative staff said the reimbursement structure includes state reimbursements for transportation and that the district typically budgets for known increases; they did not recommend a unilateral decision without board direction. Marina said the current contract projects a modest automatic increase next year (2–3% in the current contract language) and that transportation operations appear stable in the current year.

Ending: The board did not make a final decision. Administration offered to schedule vendor negotiations or to issue an RFP depending on the board’s direction; staff requested guidance on whether the board wanted to pursue early bilateral talks or go to competitive procurement next year.