The comprehensive and thoughtful presentation by the Essex County Public Schools Bus Transportation Supervisor was a burst of sunshine. It also was the first public step in developing the FY 2013-2014 School Budget. It is ESO's hope that this entire budget process will be collaborative and open to the public for the first time. It's of concern that by mid-October the School Board has not published a comprehensive* Budget Development Calendar. (* Comprehensive means that all meetings are announced and open to the public, all revenue and expenditure assumptions are disclosed to the public, that the budget fully addresses the NEEDS of the school system as required in the Code of Virginia, that public comments are considered at both the individual school and at the school system level, and the budget at each step is published in the format prescribed by the Code.)
Briefly, the Transportation Supervisor informed the School Board of the present status of the transportation system (busses and other vehicles), identified the need to develop a comprehensive vehicle replacement program, and encouraged the use of a cost benefit analysis in determining the benefits of maintenance parts and labor costs for aged high mileage vehicles, the improved fuel economy and extended service intervals of new vehicles, and the significant safety improvements incorporated in new vehicles. ESO believes that he provided critical data and a realistic approach for developing the next budget. His data also provides a sound model to create a plan for vehicle replacement planning. We appreciate his thoughtful solid work, his clear presentation, and his obvious dedication and professionalism.
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