After countless hours of negotiation between the Board of Education and Lakewood Township, an agreement has been reached in which the Township will provide transportation funding for public non-mandated students for the 2019-2020 school year.
The Township has been providing funding since 2016, but the State’s decision to cut those funds out of the recently-passed budget has caused chaos and much quarreling over how to ensure that all children will be provided transportation to school.
At tonight’s Board of Education meeting, the board approved the RFP of the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority who will act as the agency to provide students with their transportation needs.
The LSTA says they have received commitments from bus vendors to honor previous renewals and contracts, keeping the cost to the District flat. The LSTA estimates that this agreement will save the District $3-4 million each year and is a sustainable model for years to come.
how about non-public school children who are not mandated? why should the Township only pay for the Public School children
I’m confused, why would the Lakewood BOE have to negotiate with Lakewood township. Are they not both part of Lakewood township’s government.
Also, does “non-mandated” busing mean courtesy busing? Because if it does, wouldn’t it be better to eliminate it, as their is a budget shortfall in the budget for the school district?
When was the public meeting for the public to comment? Maybe the town should put in sidewalks and make the town a walking town instead of paying for busing.
How can holding vendor prices flat be sustainable? The LSTA has had million dollar plus operating deficits every year at those prices Additionally enrollment is growing. Who is paying for nonpublic nonmandated? Public school funds cannot be used.
what is an RFP ?
Request For Proposal….A $$ bid, with a statement of services, scope, limitations, etc.