By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Dec. 3, 2020) The Worcester County Board of Education agreed on Nov. 17 to buy a replacement school bus immediately because a 2008 bus that was operating in northern Worcester County experienced a major mechanical issue.

“The cost of the repairs is likely to exceed the value of the bus,” Kim Heiser, transportation manager for Worcester County Public Schools, told the board.

Dr. Dwayne Abt

Dr. Dwayne Abt, the chief safety and human relations officer for the school system, said on Nov. 18 he is not certain what the mechanical issue was because the bus is contractor-owned.

Depending on the make, model and equipment, the estimated cost of the new bus is between $90,000-$110,000, he said.

According to the school system’s policy, bus contractors must have school buses approved by the board. The buses should operate in accordance with a contract with the board, be less than 15 years old, and meet all federal, state, and board laws and regulations, including the Code of Maryland Regulations.

With the board’s approval, a new bus or a used bus that is less than 14 years old may be operated as a spare bus. All new and used buses are required to meet the current Maryland and Worcester County Board of Education specifications.

The approximate in-service date for the new bus is February 2021, Abt added.

The bus will transport students to Stephen Decatur High School, Showell Elementary School and Buckingham Elementary School.