Posen Board of Education approves bus purchases

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor Other than finding more students to put in their classrooms, members of the Posen Consolidated School Board of Education answered their biggest need Monday night by approving the purchase of two, 2006 International buses.

The district will be taking out a four year loan from Citizens Bank to make the $87,502 purchase. New buses cost between $67,000 and $72,000.

Superintendent Dru Milliron said the district?s transportation committee met several times before bringing the recommended purchase before the board. Two separate motions were unanimously approved.

Milliron said it is difficult to find used buses, but a dealer in Romulus was found. The committee was able to lock in an interest rate of 4.2 percent. “Our goal was to get it under five (percent),” said Milliron.

The buses have 39,000 and 36,000 miles, and both come with a warranty. “IT IS GOING to make me sleep better at night,” said Milliron. “I don’t have to be worrying about how the buses are running, which I do now. I know our bus drivers will be extremely happy, because they will be driving more reliable vehicles.”

The last bus to be purchased was a 2006. The district still has two years to pay off that loan.

Even with a tight budget, reliable transportation is vital to the operation of the school system and “you have to make it work. It is what you have to do to make sure the kids are safe.” They also will be getting better gas mileage from the newer vehicles.

Some of the older model buses have deteriorating frames. Committee member Randy Styma said they decided to stay away from purchasing an off the assembly line bus because of the some of the costly, mechanical bugs that need to get worked out.

The next stop for the buses will be inspections, re-lettering and cleaning in Eaton Rapids. When that is done, they’ll be picked up. “I don’t think we could find a better deal anywhere else, especially with a warranty on it,” said Styma.

The oldest buses still being used will be parked and used as spares. IN OTHER news:

? The Posen Sports Boosters donated $2,500 to the athletic fund, bringing their total for the school year to $17,500. The organization was thanked for their dedication to Posen athletics.

? The board approved a $5,000 transfer from the general fund to food services. “Normally at this time we’ve had to transfer $10

,000, right now we’re doing okay,” said Milliron.

? Betty Schellie returned to work in the kitchen, after suffering a life-threatening fall last summer.

Board members were showered with gifts for their service to kids of the community. The elementary students made a sign and hung it in the lobby of the school.

? The board decided against the auditor’s recommendation to take their attorney, Thomas Delaney of Thomas and Delaney of Alpena, off retainer as a way to save money. President Ken Wozniak said paying an hourly rate of $200 an hour could ultimately cost them more.

? The driver’s education program was approved. There are 24 students signed up. Board members are tentatively looking at a cost of $300 per student, but final approval on the cost of the program will be decided upon later in the school year.

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