R-I to purchase new bus with COVID-relief funds

The Poplar Bluff R-I school district will purchase an additional 14-person bus, mostly using COVID-relief funding.

The district is expected to receive $55,324.37 from Gov. Mike Parson’s Emergency Education Relief Fund, which covers all, but $4,175 for the bus’ cost.

The school board approved the purchase of a Chevrolet 3500 Collins bus from Master’s Transportation Inc.

Under the requirements for the funding, the bus would be used to “prevent, prepare and respond to the coronavirus.”

Dr. Amy Jackson, assistant superintendent of business, said it will be used for alternative routing and promote student social distancing.

While this is the reasoning behind the funding, the district also will be able to use it for small field trips.

Transportation Director Ronald Martin said with this style of bus, a driver only needs a Class E license, rather than the CDL license required for the larger buses.

“If it’s not a scheduled part of your regular responsibilities, you’ve got the opportunity to be exempt from this class of transportation,” Dr. Scott Dill, superintendent, said. “This makes the bus have significantly greater utility.”

The bus includes alarms, tinted windows, LED lights, hydraulic brakes, heating and standard seat belts.

Martin said he was impressed by the vehicle.

It is the same size as the 20-passenger buses the district has, but with more space between the seats, he said.