ELDRED, NY — When Eldred School District voters go to the polls on May 16, they will be asked to weigh in on a proposed lease agreement to replace 14 large school buses and two mini-buses, one of which is equipped with wheelchair access.

The proposal, which is listed on the ballot as Proposition 3, asks voter permission to enter into a five-year lease agreement at a total cost of $1,405,000. State aid will reimburse approximately 43% of the lease cost. Budget reductions related to repairs, fuel, parts, tires and lubricants, as well as revenue earned by selling the existing district-owned vehicles at a public auction, would cover the balance. According to the school district, this funding strategy results in a cost-neutral proposal that requires no borrowing.

Age, high mileage and the current condition of the fleet drove the decision to replace the existing buses. Ten buses are 2007 or 2008 models. Nine have over 90,000 miles, with one clocking in at 143,739 miles. Half of the fleet is rated in fair or poor condition, with two buses currently out of service and one experiencing daily mechanical issues.

This leasing opportunity provides new, energy-efficient buses. The agreement also includes a bumper-to-bumper warranty, replacement parts, and summer service.

“Eldred buses transport 619 students and travel over a quarter of a million—or about 273,657—miles a year. Safe, reliable, and efficient buses are essential to day-to-day operations,” said Ruth Luis, school business administrator. 

A lease, rather than directly purchasing the buses, is proposed because of financial considerations. “Buses are expensive, and big-ticket purchases create spikes in the tax levy, especially for small school districts like Eldred,” Luis said. “The lease agreement presents us with an opportunity to improve the safety and reliability of our fleet without increasing the tax levy.”

If the lease proposition is approved, the district will closely monitor the agreement and evaluate its effectiveness. A cost-benefit analysis will be conducted to help determine the best course of action for future district transportation needs. “This insight will be used to create a comprehensive strategic plan for the future,” Luis said.

For additional information about Proposition 3, residents can call Luis at 845/456-1100 ext. 5170 or email her at luisr@eldred.k12.ny.us.