Burlington Hires Consultant For School Bus Contract

BURLINGTON, MA -- The Burlington School Committee approved a contract of no more than $5,000 to hire a consultant to help the district negotiate a new contract. The current contract with Billerica-based A&F Bus Co. expires on June 30. Transportation accounts for about $1.5 million of the school system's annual budget.

"The big unknown is transportation contracts in 2020. Employee contracts are already settled, so transportation will be a top priority," Superintendent Eric Conti told the committee earlier this week.

The consultant was not identified at Tuesday's meeting because the contract is still being finalized. But Director of Operations Robert Cunha said the consultant being eyed for the contract has over 35 years of experience. The consultant will review the existing contract, analyze current bus routes and look for areas to save money in the new contract.

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Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).