Dierks School Board Weighs Bus Lease Options, Approves Meal Changes and Class Expansion Amid Enrollment Growth

A representative from Midwest Bus Sales spoke to the Dierks Board of Education Wednesday afternoon during their regular monthly meeting.

Board members were informed that the district currently has five buses leased through Midwest Bus Sales. They were told that the district could possibly save money by switching to a 5-year lease/purchase option. According to Midwest Bus Sales, the district is currently paying $189,000 a year, but that amount will continue to increase over the next several years. However, with the proposed lease/purchase option, the district would purchase four buses this year, extend the lease on three buses next year and purchase those three buses in 2028 and their payments would remain around $189.000 or possibly decrease due to paying off existing buses.

District Treasurer Kayla Jones reported the district has received enhanced transportation funds in the amount of $80,000 a year for the past several years.

Superintendent Grover Hill reported the district’s finances were up from last year. He said the district had $2,082,310.50 in their operation budgets which is $92,029.11 more than this time last year.

Hill said the district will be adding a kindergarten and sixth grade class to the elementary next year due to enrollment increases. The elementary enrollment is currently 313 and the high school enrollment is currently 253.

Board members voted to change the student breakfast, lunch and snack amounts. Next year, students will receive free breakfast and snacks and pay $3.00 for lunches.

The board also voted to accept 16 students transferring into district through school choice and 5 students transferring out of the district.