Wamego’s USD 320 Board of Education has a shortage of bus drivers. At Monday’s meeting, Larry Hannan, transporation director, presented the problem of not being able to support some of the smaller activity trips because of the shortage. His alternative solution was the purchase of a Type A 14 passenger school bus, which does not require a CDL license to operate. After justifying the purchase and discussion, a motion was made to authorize the purchase of a Type A miniature bus at a cost not to exceed $54,000. Superintendent Tim Winter said the funds are available for the purchase. Approval was given by a vote of 6 to 0.
In other business, high school principal Chad Brecheisen and teacher Dennis Charbonneau updated the Board about the process needed to implement a drug testing program in the District. This program would be implemented in both the middle and high schools. The background details of the program included a partnership with parents, community, law enforcement and mental health agencies. Their goal is to build the program slow, and want it to be a program more of help than punitive action. The goal is to implement the program in the fall of 2017. Approval was given to move forward.
