Negotiations are ongoing between the Butler Area School District and the company expected to provide transportation for the next five years.
Administrators received bids from multiple companies in February with A.J. Myers the lowest bidder at just over $27 million over five years and the district’s current provider Valley Lines submitting the second lowest proposal.
After an interview with the low bidder, the district decided to ask for a final best offer from the two lowest bidders due to the coronavirus situation changing decisions for many businesses. A.J. Myers submitted a final proposal with increased costs while Valley Lines decreased their bid by a substantial amount.
The Valley Lines offer includes a freeze for the next school year as well as an average increase of 1.7% per year after that. The agreement that is being finalized would allow the board an exit after three years as well as includes GPS systems on the buses and COVID-19 protection provisions.