The Philomath School District is under contract with Mid Columbia Bus Co. for the upcoming academic year for student transportation but plans to go out for bid in the future, Superintendent of Schools Susan Halliday said during the Aug. 14 school board meeting.
“We’re set for this school year,” Halliday said. “We’re going to need to enter into the dialogue and conversation to be able to look into the future.”
Mid Columbia has been transporting local students since 2010.
The conversation came up between Halliday and school board members during the Aug. 14 meeting’s financial report.
As far as bus transportation, it appears that two other companies could be in the mix for a future contract. Student Transportation of America, which operates from a property just west of Philomath, currently serves the Corvallis School District. First Student Inc., which formerly served the local school district 15 years ago, could possibly have interest as well.
“There are at least three that we’re pretty sure would bid,” Halliday said.
Olson Bus Co. served local families for 41 years before selling its operation to First Student Inc., in 2001. First Student provided bus transportation from 2001-10.