Outlines a sample contract that a district might want to use if its buses are required for emergency use by local government. The contract addresses such areas as who drives, whether regular school bus regulations are observed, who pays for the fuel, and what the costs are to the user. (IRT)

It is an advantage to a school system to contract for its school bus service. Financially, private companies can obtain capital easier than can public agencies. A school system that uses good management and monitors the contractor with clear specifications can be assured of safety and efficiency. (MLF)

Describes a way to compare the costs of operating or contracting buses by breaking down total expenses and comparing specific costs both for each type of service (such as regular transportation to school, special education, or athletic events) and for all types of expenditures ranging from maintenance to preparing payrolls. (Author/JM)

Contracting for noneducational services is standard operating procedure in many school districts. Private contractors are involved in transportation, food service, maintenance, and even, in rare cases, instruction. Before deciding to contract out, school boards should examine improvement to school-run operations before making a final decision.…