Highlands releases bus proposals from Roenigk, ABC Transit

Highlands School District has released the proposals it received from two companies to bus its students over the next five years.

The proposals from W.L. Roenigk, the district’s current and long-time provider, and ABC Transit are available on the district’s website at www.goldenrams.com.

Links to the documents can be found by clicking on the business office link in the departments tab and then clicking on the link to transportation request for proposals (RFPs) on the business office’s webpage.

Proprietary financial information is not available to the public and has been omitted from the files, the district said.

The school board voted 7-1 on Monday, with board member Jeff Mundy abstaining, to award the contract to ABC Transit. Mundy previously worked for both companies.

With a cost of $15.48 million, district officials said ABC Transit’s bid would save the district about $755,400 over Roenigk’s.

Roenigk officials have disagreed, and argued that the district would save $1.5 million by sticking with their company.

The two companies were the only ones to submit proposals. Monark Student Transportation had attended a meeting on the contract but chose not to submit a proposal.

In a statement released Thursday, school board President Debbie Beale said it was not an easy decision.

“We thank W.L. Roenigk for its many years of service to this district and will work with both companies to ensure a smooth transition for our families,” she said.

While Pennsylvania school districts are not required to seek proposals for transportation services, state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale has criticized them for not doing so. Highlands officials said they sought proposals this year in response to his concerns, and as part of an effort to improve fiscal responsibility.

Superintendent Monique Mawhinney said Highlands is taking DePasquale’s suggestion further than just busing.

“We have opted to not only seek proposals for transportation, but to employ the same process for all consumable and durable goods moving forward,” she said.