The contract will require technology that allows changes to bus routes for efficiency and a protection clause governing fuel increases.
WESTFIELD - The School Committee is expected to seek a five-year contract for regular school bus transportation of students later this year in an attempt to generate competition and draw more interest in the bidding process.
The committee’s Finance Subcommittee this week approved the concept of a five-year contract, replacing a practice that has involved three-year contracts with one-year extensions. The contract will be advertised for the 2011-2012 school year that will begin in late August.
Finance members instructed the School Department’s Chief Financial Officer John E. Kane to draft a proposed contract bid package that will include safeguards for the department in terms of contractor performance.
Agreed to during a meeting Monday, the new contract will delete a clause that school buses be garaged within Westfield city limits, require technology that allows the department to change bus routes for efficiency and a protection clause governing increases for fuel charges.
School Committee member Laura K. Maloney said the department’s “present (contract) model does not generate competition.”
Committee member Kevin J. Sullivan and Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said they support a five-year contract which anticipates more competition and better pricing.
“No question,” Knapik said about a five-year pact. “As long as we have a performance-based clause to protect the city and allow for cancellation because of poor performance by the contractor,” the mayor said.
A five-year bus contract will require prior approval by the City Council in accordance with state regulations.
The School Committee is expected to give final approval to the contract proposal later this month.
Kane has recommended a five-year bus contract, saying he believes the longer term will bring a financial benefit to the School Department.
The School Department currently spends about $1.5 million for its regular school transportation pact that expires at the end of the current school year.
Lecrenski Brothers Transportation of Westfield has served as the district’s school bus provider since 1993.
