BCLUW board approves school bus, scoreboard purchases

The BCLUW board of education approved the purchase of a new gas-powered school bus and a scoreboard for the high school gym during Monday morning’s regular meeting.
           
The low bid for the bus, a 320 horsepower Ford with a 6.8 liter V10 engine, came from Blue Bird at a total cost of $84,609 (including a $1,000 trade-in for the district’s current 1995 bus). Hoglund Bus Co. submitted a bid of $85,587 for an International 240 horsepower Cummins B6.7 liter, and Blue Bird sent in a separate bid for a 240 horsepower Vision Cummins B6.7 liter at a cost of $90,009. Board member LJ Kopsa shared concern with Transportation Director Mike Hayes and Facilities Director Donnie Box, but both assured him that the new bus was a sound investment, citing emission problems with diesel vehicles.
           
“It’s a horrible double edged sword we’re looking at right now… My only concern about going back to a gas (engine) is horsepower issues,” Kopsa said.
           
A motion from Adam Probasco to approve the purchase passed 6-0 (Lynne Kock was absent). 
 
Read more in this week's Grundy Register.