Desiray Seaux / Crowley Post-Signal
Citing communications and cost concerns, the Acadia Parish School Board voted Monday to seek proposals for student bus transportation instead of renewing the contract with the current provider.
Following a presentation by representatives of DS Bus South regarding contract renewal, various board members voiced concern over what they considered poor communications with schools and parents.
Members also questioned a proposed increase in cost to the school district for the coming year.
Instead of renewing the contract, the board voted to seek RFPs (requests for proposals) from other transport companies.
DS Bus South is eligible to submit a proposal.
In other action, the board approved:
— The Acadia Parish Head Start Program 2021-2022 Full Continuation Grant Application, including the proposed budget and goals and objectives, in the amount of $2,964,228 for program Operations and $37,607 for Training and Technical Assistance.
— Advertising for hunting lease bids on 142 acres of board-owned land in the Perchville area. The current lease expires June 30.
— Authorizing the superintendent or his designee to proceed with CNP warehouse freezer renovation/expansion.
Superintendnet Scott Richard brought the agenda item to the board to revisit the topic approved a year ago. Prior to COVID-19 and the closing down school last year, Richard had begun to plan to create a new central office freezer system as the current one is no longer large enough to suit the needs of the school district. The project was put on hold at that time but Richard will now resume planning the project.
— Advertising for bids for roof replacements at Church Point Elementary, Estherwood Elementary and Crowley High School for damages related to Hurricane Delta.