Powder River Examiner -

The school board met Monday evening to discuss the September agenda items. 16 members of the public were on hand for the meeting. The board approved four individual transportation contracts and one room and board contract, which were all folks along the Hammond bus route. This bus route has not had a bus contract this school year, meaning parents have been driving their kids into town, or in at least one case, rented housing in town. These contracts are all dependent on the county transportation committee’s approval, which ties in to the bus contract for the Hammond route, discussed later during the school board meeting.

The board hired a custodian – Rhonda Rogers, as well as Amy Minow as Cheer Coach, and two substitute teachers, Diane Stuver and Joe Stuver.

Next on the agenda was going over the bids for the Hammond bus route. Four sets of bids came in: one from Darold and Sylvia Zimmer for 5 years @ $2.69 per mile. Ty Robinson sent in a bid for either 3 years @ $3.54 per mile, or 5 years @ $3.39 per mile. John Robinson’s bid was for either 3 years @ $3.67 per mile, or 5 years @ $3.52 per mile. Camille Simmons’ bid was for 3 years @ $2.99 per mile.

Discussion took place about the qualifications for drivers and contractors. Superintendent Hansen spoke of the bus inspections, as well as the individual driver qualifications such as CPR, First Aid, a CDL, and bus drivers needing to comply with a host of rules from the Montana State Code.

Discussion regarding the individual contracts also took place, with Hansen noting that the school provides a number of these contracts for students who may live off of bus routes or other reasons. The rates for individual contracts, which are discussed in Hansen’s board report in this issue, generally don’t come close to the cost of paying for a bus contract.

“It’s cheaper for us to have parents drive,” Hansen commented. “We are providing a service by having buses.”

Some other schools in the area, such as Miles City, have very limited busing opportunities compared to Broadus. PR County has traditionally provided busing opportunities for their students.

The board then moved to vote on the bus contract, awarding the contract to Zimmers, with all members voting in favor.

A new bus stop at mile marker 62.5 on Hwy 59N was then approved – this site will allow for better visibility and stopping distance for trucks. This decision will also go to the county transportation board before implementation.

A host of board policies were approved, as well as two staff requests for student loan repayment help and loan assistance, which a staff member is requesting to pursue a degree.

Later in the meeting, Hansen spoke of the roofing project at the high school, which is near completion. The roof itself is essentially done, though the contractor is waiting on new facia for the front of the school before the project is deemed complete.

Principal Denise Ternes commented on the school attendance numbers – this year the elementary has 92 students with 101 in the junior high and high school.