Reedsport School Board unanimously rejects transportation RFP

The Reedsport School Board unanimously denied a proposal Wednesday night that would have allowed the district to seek competitive bids for student transportation services, following months of community backlash over the future of longtime provider Lewis Transportation

One member on the board sustained his vote due to personal relations with the company

REEDSPORT, Ore. —The Reedsport School Board unanimously denied a proposal Wednesday night that would have allowed the district to seek competitive bids for student transportation services, following months of community backlash over the future of longtime provider Lewis Transportation

One member on the board sustained his vote due to personal relations with the company

The announcement prompted concerns from community members who voiced support for keeping the company as the district’s transportation provider

Lewis Transportation has served Reedsport students for more than 30 years

A majority of those attending Wednesday night’s meeting showed support for continuing the district’s relationship with the company. Some board members also questioned whether the proposed request for proposals, or RFP, was appropriate for the district and whether its <a href="https://jiuniversity.com/uk-study-visa-application-withdrawals-surge-amidst-new-bca-compliance-requirements/” title=”UK: Study visa application withdrawals surge amidst new BCA compliance requirements”>requirements could disadvantage smaller transportation businesses

Board member Brianna Ekelund raised concerns that the RFP may have been modeled after requirements used by larger school districts

“Pulled from a larger school district with a lot more money or stuff works differently and some of the requirements in this RFP might be squeezing out some of the smaller mom and pop businesses,” Ekelund said

In June, Lewis Transportation said the district’s decision marked the first time it had considered other options for student transportation

Following Wednesday’s vote, board chair Kim Clardy outlined restrictions on moving forward with a competitive solicitation and the process for approving a future contract

“The superintendent shall not issue, release or otherwise proceed with an RFP or other competitive solicitation for student transportation services unless and until the board, at a properly noticed public meeting, specifically authorizes such action,” Clardy said. “Any proposed contract with Lewis Transportation should be brought back to the board for review and approval before execution.”

The board’s decision drew cheers from the crowd following the unanimous vote

The owner of Lewis Transportation, who spoke with reporters off camera, described their reaction to the decision in two words: “I’m relieved.”

The board’s action prevents the district from proceeding with the proposed RFP without further authorization from the board. Any proposed contract with Lewis Transportation must return to the board for review and approval before it can be finalized

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Source: kcby.com