The Warren County R-III School Board approved a couple of changes within the district’s transportation department during its monthly November meeting.

Transportation Director Kevin Pirrung came forward with a request to add an additional bus route on the north side of the district in the area of Andorra Estates and Paddock Fields.

“The current two routes are over capacity and a current subroute is being used to accommodate the overflow,” said Pirrung. “Moving forward with the new route also will assist to alleviate some other crowded buses.”

The board approved the additional route with a 7-0 vote.

New Buses

Board members also were unanimous in their decision to accept a bid for three additional buses. The purchase of three 77-passenger Type C buses at $94,451 each will cost the district a total of $283,353.

The buses were delivered on Dec. 14.

“That’s exciting to get some new buses in the fleet and get on the depreciation list,” said Pirrung. “Once buses turn eight years or older they no longer get reimbursed by state of Missouri.”

Per Pirrung’s suggestion, R-III decided to buy the vehicles from Midwest Transit Equipment, which came in with the lowest bid. Also considered were Midwest Bus Sales at $95,795 per unit and Central States Blue Bird at $100,275 per unit.

Pirrung anticipates continued growth in the district.

“We’re going to have to add another early childhood route after Christmas break,” he said. “It’s good growth for the community. We’re just trying to make transportation as efficient as possible with the resources we have.”

Pirrung anticipates the addition of a new overpass on Interstate 70 will also greatly enhance bus transportation.

“It will help us tremendously,” he said. “It will help with congestion and the busiest time of the day, which is when school starts and releases. It will also help with the safety aspect.”