School board approves new bus contract, STEM trip

The School District of Rhinelander and Bowen’s Bus Service have finalized a new five-year rolling contract for the transportation of students.

On May 20, the school board voted unanimously, with two abstentions, to accept the agreement school administration negotiated with the bus company.

The new contract, which is effective from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2029, will result in a 20.6 percent increase for the bus company in 2024-25, 10 percent in 25-26 and the greater of CPI (Consumer Price Index) or 4 percent thereafter.

The district’s operations and strategic planning committee first discussed the contract on April 8. At that time, Bowen’s proposed a 32 percent increase. 

However, it was noted that the net increase would be 26 percent as, back in August 2022, the school board voted to pay an additional $10 per route so that Bowen’s could increase wages to retain and attract drivers during the COVID era.

School district business director Bob Thom explained that a request for bus bids was sent out to a number of bus companies, including Lamers, Bowen’s, Schilleman, Tomahawk Bus, First Student and Lakeland Bus, back in January but Bowen’s was the only company to offer a submission.

After the committee expressed concern about the significant increase, district administration agreed to pursue additional negotiations with Bowen’s.

On May 6, the administration outlined an updated proposal. 

“After some discussions with Bowen’s, they are willing to accept a 20 percent increase for 2024-25 along with 10 percent the next year and 8 percent in year three,” superintendent Eric Burke explained in a memo to the committee. “They then propose that we tie their increase to CPI with a guarantee that it be no lower than 4 % percent per year. This will increase our cost by approximately $276,000 in 2024-25.”

Despite some misgivings, and a suggestion from board member Ron Lueneburg that the contract be forwarded to the full board for discussion/consideration without a recommendation, the committee ultimately voted unanimously in support of Bowen’s proposal.

At the May 20 board meeting, Lueneburg suggested the district give immediate notice that it intends to re-bid the contract as soon as possible but board president Ron Counter was opposed to the idea. He suggested the administration “take the lead” and come back to the board if they feel it’s necessary.

“They’ve done a great job for us in the school district for many years,” Burke said of Bowen’s prior to the vote.

Board members David Holperin and Patricia Townsend abstained from the vote.

Townsend did not vote, or participate in the discussion, because she is employed by the bus company.

STEM trip

In other business, the board voted unanimously to authorize students to travel to Belize in 2026. The 7-day trip will take place over spring break and will have a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focus.

“The trip would be open to high school juniors and seniors who are in good academic and behavioral standing leading up to and at the time of travel,” according to a memo to the school board explaining the offering. “This immersive experience will allow students to explore the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems of Belize while engaging in hands-on STEM activities.”

The students will venture into lush rainforests and study coral reefs during the trip, according to the memo. They will also conduct field experiments, collect data and analyze findings to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and methodologies.

Restricting eligibility to only juniors and seniors ensures that all students who participate in this experience will have already had at least two years of science courses, the board was told.

“This trip presents a unique opportunity for students to expand their horizons, develop critical thinking skills, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of science, nature, and society,” the memo states.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].