40% Elmhurst School Bus Hike Over 3 Years: Officials

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst School District 205 expects to see a nearly 40 percent hike in costs for its school bus service over three years.

This week, the school board was informed that Cincinnati-based First Student, the bus contractor, is proposing a 9.9 percent increase for next school year.

That would be on top of hikes of 17 percent and 12 percent over the last couple of years. If the board agrees to a 9.9 percent increase, it will see a 39 percent rise in bus service costs over three years, which is more than double the inflation rate during that time.

To counter a bus driver shortage, First Student says it is offering greater pay and benefits. The shortage is affecting schools across the country.

Last year, the school board included penalties for late buses in the contract.

"It was because of frustration that with the increase, we didn't really see an improvement in services," board member Courtenae Trautmann said at this week's board meeting.

She asked whether the school had seen an improvement in services this school year.

Chris Whelton, assistant superintendent of finance, said the school has seen a major improvement with the penalties in place.

He said on Tuesday, eight drivers called in sick and that three buses were late, so the school imposed the penalties. But he said that type of situation is less frequent these days.

The contract for First Student is projected to be $4 million this year. With the 9.9 percent increase next year, the total is set to rise by $400,000.

Besides labor costs, the school bus company is facing a new law requiring time off for part-time employees, higher gas prices and escalating costs for buses, Whelton said.

Villa Park-based Cottage Hill Operating Co. provides bus service for the district's special education students.

It is expected to receive $1.9 million this year. With a proposed 9.9 percent increase, that total is projected to rise by $186,000.

The board, which is set to vote on the increases next month, is not alone in its frustrations.

Last fall, officials at Lyons Township High School expressed unhappiness with First Student's performance. They even considered putting out a request for proposals to see what other companies had to offer.

At the same time, officials agreed First Student appeared to be the "only game in town."