The Number Crunchers
Bolingbrook, Illinois

What Lies Beneath: District's Decision to Outsource Bus Service Draws More Questions

 

We've got until December 12, 2011 to get answers to 10 important questions.

 

October 31, 2011


By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter


 

As a result of a reduction in state funding, Valley View school board is strongly considering the outsourcing of its bus service to a 3rd party, claiming it will save $855k annually.

 

The Number Crunchers do not have an opinion as to whether the outsourcing to a 3rd party is best for the district.   We are in the process of doing some research of our own.

 

In efforts to encourage more resident participation, we've decided to share with you the list of questions we plan on asking the District. The answers will help to determine whether or not the outsourcing is best for Bolingbrook.

 

Please take a moment to review each of the questions, and consider doing some investigating of your own.  

 

Valley View school board is scheduled to choose a 3rd party service provider (or pass on outsourcing) on December 12, 2011. Whether you are for or against the outsourcing, think about attending the board meeting and make your voice count.

 

 

Here's our list of questions:

 

  1.  The $855k in estimated savings is for labor only. Will hiring cheaper labor ensure safer drivers?
  2. Is it true, FIRST STUDENT CORPORATION (3rd pty with lowest bid) provided transportation to VVSD's handicapped students several years ago, and the District terminated the contract due to poor service?
  3. Have any of the 3rd parties submitted a Safety Data Report to the board? Will you require this report before deciding on which company to contract with?
  4. Will the 3rd party service provider be required to hire some (if not all) existing bus drivers?
  5. Is it true, Bob Rutkowski is the General Manager for First Student Corporation? If so, did Bob Rutkowski once serve as President of VVSD board?
  6. Is it true, the District plans on keeping 5 employees (from transportation) to serve as administrators?  2 of the employees currently earn very high salaries? The combined salaries are approximately $200k?
  7. Is it true, the BUS BARN (where all of the buses are maintained) was built in 2006 for approximately $7 million?
  8. Is it true, VVSD owns the lease to all of the buses?
  9. Is it true, VVSD plans to allow the 3rd party to use the leased buses to transport students?
  10. Is it true, VVSD plans on paying for the fuel? The district pays approximately $900k a year.
  11. If so, wouldn't it be cheaper to have the 3rd party bus service purchase fuel at a cheaper price? After all, they are in the transport business, they have more vehicles on the road and can negotiate lower rates.

 

 

When it comes to government, especially local government, it's important that we maintain a healthy level of skepticism, and not automatically assume politicians are making the best decision for the community.  

 

Remember, in this particular case, our children's safety is at risk.  And don't forget, these politicians get to play with hundreds of millions in hard earned tax dollars. 

 

This is our children, and our money.  Lets start asking some tough questions.

 

 

 

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