Changes to save Bronaugh R-7 money

Friday, July 22, 2016
Bronaugh R-7 school board at its Monday meeting. (clockwise): Jill Walrod, board member; Bill Rainey, board member; Brent Baines, board member; Ryan Linn, board president; Dr. David Copeland, superintendent; Saundra Bogart, board secretary; and David Diggins, board member. Johannes Brann/Daily Mail

Nevada Daily Mail

"While we won't know the actual numbers until the end of the year, we could save some $9,000 on food service and $8,000 on bus service by changing providers," said Superintendent Dr. David Copeland during the Bronaugh School Board's meeting Monday.

Following the sale of its buses a number of years ago, the district contracted with Durham School Services for its student transportation needs. Earlier this year, in an effort to save funds, the board decided to consolidate its bus routes from three to two.

"Our contract says both sides must negotiate in good faith," explained Copeland. "Their proposal for two routes would cost us almost the same as what it did last year for three and it was pretty much take it or leave it."

Following several conversations, Copeland wrote Durham stating that because this was not negotiating in good faith, he was, on behalf of the district, exercising the 30-day contract termination clause.

"To replace Durham, I am bringing you a proposed three-year contract with Apple Bus Company. The supervisor for this area is based in Butler and I've known him for years. We will have almost new buses. We'll have two routes and at the quoted price, we could save up to $8,000 in transportation costs this year," Copeland told the board.

The board gave the contract its unanimous approval.

The board briefly discussed a future option of purchasing a mini-van for small group transportation, such as to Nevada's vocational-technical school. The board agreed with the superintendent to wait for consideration of this until a later time in the year to ensure the district has sufficient reserve funds for any emergencies.

Copeland introduced a representative of Opaa Food Management, a food service provider based in Chesterfield, Mo. The oral presentation provided highlights of the written proposal board members had before them.

There would be three choices at breakfast including a hot entree, fruit and cold cereal. For students who arrive just prior to school, "Second Chance Breakfast" will have bagged up items such as muffins or biscuits that can be grabbed between early classes. Lunch will have the choice of two hot items and an extensive salad bar.

"Because of what we have now, this contract would not begin until October," explained Copeland. "With Opaa, the staff would remain the same and there's no equipment we have to purchase."

While the contract is for five years, if the district wishes to end this arrangement, it can at the end of any contract year.

"Last year, we had terrible participation in our food service program and lost about $39,000," said Copeland.

"Due to the advantage of volume buying, they can purchase food so much cheaper," noted Copeland. "I also think what they'll serve will go over well with students and staff and that will improve nutrition and revenue."

The school district at Liberal is expected to adopt Opaa for its food service program as well.

"If that happens, we'll have a director for just our two schools giving us a quicker response time for any issues we have," added the superintendent.

Following a series of questions by board members, this change was also adopted unanimously.

Prior to dealing with food service and transportation matters, the board reviewed and approved bids for fuel, milk, propane, an exterminator and purchase of soft drinks. No bid on bread was received so it will be purchased on an as needed basis until the new contract with Opaa begins.

Following an executive session, the board returned to open session and approved the hiring of four employees.

Jody Weaver will be secretary for the high school office and Dan Divine was hired to be custodian from 2-10:30 p.m. Lindsey Leachman was given a contract to teach grade six and Leanna Shaw who is certified in family and consumer science as well as speech and theater will teach in the middle and high school.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: