An Accurate Comparison

To the Editor:

During the Board of Education Q&A on the budget, there was much discussion on transportation, including arbitrary rates and a comparison with New Milford. I won’t take time and space debating the numbers. The only accurate way to gauge the owner/operator is with a request for price.

Last year, the Board of Ed issued an RFP for transportation and Newtown did not get the low rates David Nanavaty quoted for New Milford. MTM and All-Star (same company as New Milford) were the low bidders and those bids were higher than New Milford, and many other towns. One bid was significantly higher than the owner/operators. The bids were the best “market rate” Newtown received. So it is accurate to compare the owner/operators [O/O] with MTM, the low bidders.

The O/O are offering a modified rate which is;

1. A little higher than MTM, because the cost of a full-size bus is higher than a Type II (mini) bus, therefore the payments are higher.

2. The Board of Ed pays the fuel for MTM. Same as the O/O.

3. The BOE pays the O/O liability insurance, $484x33 = $15,972. The BOE reimburses MTM for the insurance bond, $12,000.

4. We are offering to match MTM’s full-size rate for kindergarten.

We believe this offer brings us in line with MTM and the market rate. It will save the district $194,000 next year, and $207,000 the following year, off our contracted rates.

For those who attended the BOE meeting, some additional info on New Milford:

1. New Milford is #1 in their DRG for transportation expense.

2. New Milford has been consistently higher, often significantly, than Newtown in per pupil expenditure for transportation since 1997-1998.

3. Newtown’s transportation budget will be the same next year, as it was in 2006-2007 (if our offer is accepted), while New Milford’s total transportation budget has increased from $3.5 million to $4.5 million during the same time period, while their enrollment has gone down.

4. New Milford’s 2010-2011 transportation budget is the same as Newtown’s (if our offer is accepted), but Newtown has 40 more road miles, 592 more students. and three more schools than New Milford.

There is more to a bus contract than just the day rate. I will gladly discuss transportation numbers and issues, including documentation, with anyone who is interested.

Carey Schierloh

6 Shady Rest Boulevard, Sandy Hook                           May 12, 2010