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Schools

BOE Says New School Bus Contract Saves Money

School officials say the new five-year contract with First Student will save more than $500,000 in the first year.


The Ridgefield Board of Education approved a new school bus contract Monday that officials say will save about $500,000 next year and continue saving money through the 2018-19 school year.

Board of Education Business Manager Paul B. Hendrickson said the First Student bus company won the contract with what he called “a very aggressive bid.” Three other companies also submitted bids in November.

Even in the fifth year of the First Student contract, the cost for school buses would be less than it is this year, Hendrickson said.

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First Student, a national company, is headquartered in Cincinnati. Currently, Baumann & Sons, a Long Island-based company, provides transportation for the Ridgefield schools.

Board of Education Chairman Austin Drukker said the savings would go for educational purposes.

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The Ridgefield school district currently needs 30 school buses and 15 vans for a 181-day school year.

School Superintendent Deborah Low’s budget request for 2013-14 lists the cost for transportation at $4,906,283, which is $514,221 less than the $5,420,504 budgeted for transportation in the current school year’s budget.

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