Board approves Transportation Cooperative

Board approves Transportation Cooperative
School board members last night approved a resolution authorizing Walla Walla Public Schools to establish and serve as the host of the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative.

The move is a legal requirement for the district to continue efforts to submit a proposal to the state for potential funding of the facility to operate a regional transportation cooperative.

The Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative helps partner districts save money on school bus maintenance and repair service, improves school bus safety, extends school bus life, and reduces risk liability.
Currently Dixie and ESD 123 have committed to joining the cooperative. Prescott officials will be asked to make a decision during the district's school board next week. Seven area districts, including College Place, have been invited to join.

"With many of our small districts losing students and revenue, it's hard to believe more are not interested in joining," Superintendent Rich Carter said. "We'll work with those we have and find ways to cut costs and save our taxpayers money."

State law requires only one district partner to make up a cooperative. Carter is working on a November deadline to submit a proposal to the state. If approved, the state will pay for 90 percent of the facility and the equipment necessary to operate it.