SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Public Schools board members are making significant strides in addressing two major district priorities. One is tied directly to the district’s “Together Spokane” plan.
That plan includes the replacement of Adams Elementary.
Unrelated to “Together Spokane” but just as important to the district’s future, the board has approved a major change in student transportation, moving away from contracted bus services to establishing its own fleet.
The new fleet will be funded through state-allocated funds. Approximately $29.4 million will be spent on buses from RWC Group, with an additional $2.9 million for buses from a Portland-based company.
“This is something that we have anticipated for quite some time,” said a representative.
The unanimous vote brings Spokane Public Schools one step closer to operating its own fleet of school buses.
“It’s about being most efficient we possibly can for every dollar and providing the best service possible and so we’re always gonna make decisions on,” said Superintendent Adam Swinyard. He goes on to say, “What’s the best option for kids and what’s the most cost-efficient way to do that?”
Currently, the district contracts with Zum School Services for student transportation. Rising costs and state requirements have prompted a reevaluation of this arrangement.
“We’re still working on finalizing the timeline of what that will look like,” said Swinyard.
The Superintendent noted that the current contractor was informed during the original agreement that discontinuing with contractors was a possibility in the future.
“Incremental steps, all part of long-range planning,” said Swinyard.
Zum buses will continue to transport students until that contract ends in 2028.
As for Adams Elementary. The century old campus is now being referred to as “Camp Adams.”
Wednesday’s vote clears the way for the district to begin the demolition of Adams.
“That was a school that was over 100 years old. It was well past its useful life and we’re really looking forward to providing the opportunity for our kids,” said Swinyard.
Students attending that school will wrap up their time there at the end of the current semester. When they return after the winter break, they will be bused to Jefferson Elementary.
The new school is expected to be ready for students in a year and a half.
