Elementary School Consolidation Analysis of Transportation
Overview of Transportation System Geographic Issue = Our district encompasses 121 square miles (source: NYSED). Our district is larger than approximately 85% of the school districts in NYS relative to area square miles (source: NYSED website).
FACTORS MODEL 8A (Redistricted) MODEL 8A (Redistricted) MODEL 13 (current boundaries) MODEL 14 (current boundaries) KES & MES Two Grades K-4 KES & RES Two Grades K-4 Schools Schools Three Grades K-4 Schools Three Grades K-5 Schools Grades 5-8 School Grades 5-8 School Grades 5-8 School Grades 6-8 School Grades 9-12 School Grades 9-12 School Grades 9-12 School Grades 9-12 School Number of Bus Routes 31 31 35 24 More than 45 minutes 2 2 0 3 45-30 minutes 8 8 15 17 Less than 30 minutes 21 21 20 4 ENROLLMENT KES MES KES RES KES MES RES KES MES RES Kindergarten 69 67 69 67 49 47 40 49 47 40 First 79 88 79 88 63 56 48 63 56 48 Second 98 73 98 73 69 60 42 69 60 42 Third 78 67 78 67 58 54 33 58 54 33 Fourth 73 81 73 81 52 58 44 52 58 44 Fifth 58 47 43 Total 397 376 397 376 291 275 207 349 322 250 Cost for Routes $661,768 $624,139 $746,276 $670,045 Cost for Fuel $49,889 $47,048 $56,255 $50,508 Total Cost $711,657 $671,187 $802,531 $720,553
Models 8A Parameters = 35 to 45 minutes as the search on transportation database. Schools redistricted with current enrollment Schools redistricted with current enrollment data.
Calculation of Transportation Cost TOTAL MILES OF ELEMENTARY ROUTES= Miles traveled by elementary buses in the morning and afternoon x 180 days TOTAL COST OF BUS ROUTES TOTAL COST OF BUS ROUTES= Total miles of elementary routes x $5.19 (mileage rate)
Calculation of Fuel Cost FUEL COST= Miles traveled by elementary buses in the morning and afternoon x 180 days x $3.1298/gallon 8 mpg (66 passenger school bus) The $3.1298/gallon rate received from NYS Office of General e $3 98/ga o ate ece ed fo S Off ce of Ge e a Services on February 18, 2011.
What is the impact of reducing the number of bus routes on student travel time? FACTORS MODEL 8B (Redistricted) MODEL 8A (Redistricted) KES & MES KES & MES Two Grades K-4 Schools Two Grades K-4 Schools Grades 5-8 School Grades 5-8 School Grades 9-12 School Grades 9-12 School Number of Bus Routes 18 31 More than 45 minutes 9 2 45-30 minutes 6 8 Less than 30 minutes 3 21 Cost for Routes $618,085 $661,768 Cost for Fuel $46,592 $49,889 Total Cost $664,677 $711,657
Review of Calculations Model 8B (Redistricted) With 18 Bus Routes to Kerhonkson & Marbletown Marbletown (9 Bus Routes) = 384.2 miles/day x 180 days x $5.19/mile = $358,920 Kerhonkson (9 Bus Routes) = 277.42 miles/day x 180 days x $5.19/mile = $259,165 TOTAL COST = $618,085 Model 8A (Redistricted) With 31 Bus Routes to Kerhonkson & Marbletown Marbletown (18 Bus Routes) = 443.66 miles/day x 180 days x $5.19/mile = $414,467 Kerhonkson (13 Bus Routes) = 264.72 miles/day x 180 days x $5.19/mile = $247,301 TOTAL COST = $661,768
Decrease the cost of transportation (fewer routes, more students on buses, etc.) Increase the travel time (students are on buses longer period of time)
Questions & Answers Who owns the buses? We have contracts with four companies who own the buses (Arthur F. Mulligan, First Student, A & E Transport Services, and Tonche Transit Inc.). What do we go out to bid on? Transportation bids are requested for transportation services for students of our district, out of district special education transportation, and private/parochial school student transportation. Is there a down side to going out to bid? bd Two large contractors in our area have explained that if the district goes out to bid, we will see a dramatic increase to our contracts (estimated +15%). Extended contracts for our 4 bus companies include an increase of transportation CPI (which is set by NYSED).
Questions & Answers (continued) How are routes determined? Routes are developed by thedistrict and provided to the contractors. Bio-Diesel fuel is this even an option? Is there a cost savings? Our current contractors do not utilize this resource, however, it is approximately $0.50/gallon higher. Can we consolidate bus stops? Consolidating bus stops in rural areas would not be considered a safe practice. In areas that are safe we do have central pick ups. We often review all bus routes to make them more efficient, but as described earlier, more students on buses requires greater length of time.
Questions & Answers (continued) Why are buses half empty? Full buses would require greater travel time for students. Population on the high school buses seems to be lower due to the fact that many students drive, parents transport their children, and in the afternoon many students remain for after school activities. Are we going to redraw the line between schools if we consolidate? Yes With consolidation, will any of the small runs for special education students be eliminated? Students that require special transportation will continue to have special transportation services as directed by their IEPs.
Questions & Answers (continued) The district does not incur fuel charges for the following: Trips from garage to the first student pick up and to the garage from the last drop off. A driver stopping at a convenience store between secondary and elementary runs. The contractor absorbs all fuel costs for fieldtrips/athletic trips.