Akron school board members have raised concerns in recent weeks about van transportation costs for students with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness, stating the external services are running millions of dollars over budget.
Still, the board, in a special meeting on March 30, delayed action on whether to renew contracts with Buckeye Logistics & Transit and Templeton Transportation, citing a lack of clarity about next steps.
Transportation services are projected to cost about $11.4 million this school year — roughly a $4 million budget overrun, board member Nathan Jarosz said in an interview. The increase comes as the district faces mounting financial pressure, making $11 million in planned cuts due to a lack of revenue and rising expenses…