Hinsdale D86 OKs Big Bus Cost Hike

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 is set to see another big cost increase for its school bus service next year.

Last week, the school board voted unanimously to extend its contract with Cincinnati-based First Student for another year.

Under the contract, the increase per route is slated to go up 26 percent next school year. That follows an 11 percent hike this year.

At the meeting, Josh Stephenson, the district's chief financial officer, said officials would aim to "drive additional efficiency."

"The finance committee will review (the issue) and present recommendations to the board later this spring to potentially reduce the overall burden of the cost increase on next year's budget," he said.

In an email Tuesday, Stephenson said the options could be presented to the board as early as April, but may need to wait until after a new board is seated in May.

"The ultimate goal is to build any changes into the tentative budget for FY 2024, which the board will take action on in June," Stephenson said.

Across the country, school districts are seeing increases in bus contracts. Companies are upping wages for bus drivers in a tight labor market.

Elmhurst is looking at increasing its payments to First Student by 12 percent for next year. This year, the administration is recommending a 17 percent jump.