Policy 2.291

Acquisition and Replacement of Vehicles

1. Purpose. To establish procedures for the acquisition and replacement of District vehicles, including school buses.

2. School Bus Purchase and Replacement.

   1. Bus Specifications. All school buses purchased after the effective date of this policy shall meet or exceed the applicable school bus specifications required by the Florida Department of Education as provided in the State Board of Education rules.

   2. Replacement or Purchases. The Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board, during the annual budget development process, funding for school bus purchases or replacements. In making recommendations for purchases, the Superintendent shall include anticipated changes in the student population and its impact upon the student transportation program when making a recommendation for school bus purchases.

   3. Replacement Criteria. The Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board the purchase or replacement of a school bus when one or more of the following criteria would be applicable to a bus.

      1. The bus has extensive physical or mechanical damages and is rendered non-repairable (totaled).

      2. A single repair of the bus exceeds 80 percent of the actual cash value (ACV) of the bus.

      3. Repair parts for the bus are no longer available.

      4. The bus is at ten (10) years and does not meet current safety specifications in compliance with State Board of Education Rule 6A-3.0291, FAC, and § 1006.25, Fla. Stat.

      5. The mileage of the bus exceeds 200,000 with an ACV of $4,000 or less.

3. Non-School Bus Vehicle Purchase and Replacement.

   1. Vehicle Specifications. The Superintendent, or designee, shall determine the vehicle specification requirement in coordination with the subject department's operating requirements.

   2. Replacement Criteria.  The Superintendent shall recommend to the School Board school, during the annual budget development process, funding for the purchase and replacement of non-bus vehicles when one or more of the following criteria are applicable:

      1. Vehicle has extensive physical or mechanical damages and is rendered non-repairable (totaled);

      2. A single repair cost exceeds 80 percent of the ACV of the vehicle;

      3. Repair parts are no longer available;

      4. Mileage exceeds 200,000 with an ACV of $2,000 or less.

4. Economic and Other Considerations. This policy shall not preclude an earlier or later replacement based on a recommendation by the Superintendent with approval by the School Board if it is determined that the District's action is economically desirable, efficient, safe, and in compliance with the law.

5. Prior Approval of Transportation Required for Acquisition of Vehicles. Before any vehicle to be used for transportation is acquired by a school or department, or is received as a donation, the Transportation Department shall inspect and determine the value of the vehicle, availability of repair parts, and the probable cost of upkeep.