Frazier weighs request for increase in trasportation expenses
PERRYOPOLIS – The Frazier School Board is reviewing a request for $43 more per day involving an individual transportation contract as the deadline looms for the district to adopt a final budget by the end of the month. Within the last few weeks, Mary Hodgkiss submitted a letter to the district asking for the increase to transport her special needs child to a private school in Greensburg.
Tom Shetterly, business manager, said that Hodgkiss is one of three people the district has individual transportation contracts with that are paid a flat rate instead of using a standard contracting service that would require mileage reimbursement.
In the letter, Hodgkiss requested her pay go from $72 to $115 per day to coincide with the price of gas, oil and tires for the 30 miles that she drives her child to and from the school.
Hodgkiss added that she also pays a toll by taking the turnpike because it is the shortest distance.
Shetterly said if school directors agree to the increase it would impact the budget by $7,700.
If the district were to contract its current transportation carrier, Nelson Bus Lines, Shetterly said it would cost the district more than $200 per day along with having to pay a paraprofessional to accompany the child.
Bill Vargo, school board president, suggested negotiating with Hodgkiss as well as looking at other potential drivers that could transport her child.
Shetterly had said during a work session this month that no further changes were made to last month’s $13.7 million tentative spending plan that reflected a $145,000 deficit with half-mill tax increase.
In an unrelated request, the board further addressed the use of its facilities for a bible school club tabled last month.
Matthew Swenglish, Passion Outreach Bible Club sponsor inquired about conducting the club that would be open to Frazier area teenagers between the ages of 14 and 18 from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. twice a month during the 2007-2008 school year.
The board initially discussed the request in May with solicitor Jack Purcell who said the district should follow the same procedure and policy for all clubs to avoid discrimination.