BY SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

Parkland School board directors recently approved the purchase of nine, 72-passenger buses from Wolfington Body Company Inc. at a cost of $906,741, and one 36-passenger bus in the amount of $94,437.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson said the new buses are replacements to maintain the fleet in fine condition.

“We don’t want to run into critical issues when they are on the road with students,” Madson said.

He reported the general guidance in decision making for bus replacements includes the age of the units, mileage and the maintenance costs to keep them running safely and efficiently.

In another matter related to transportation, the board approved an update and programming of 205 GPS tracking devices for district vehicles at a cost of $57,400 to keep the system operational.

Directors also approved bids for replacement of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment at Ironton Elementary School at $1,691,304 for the mechanical portion; and $160,800 for the electrical work.

The Ironton HVAC project will be paid through a grant from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, established at the federal level to address the impact of COVID-19.

ESSER funds will also be used for replacement of Chromebooks at a cost of $56,489.

Moving on to another item, the board approved replacement of 44 exterior and purchase of four additional interior security cameras at a cost of $138,135.

Director of Communication Nicole McGalla said the district is in Phase II of a three-year project to increase security coverage all around the district.

The cameras from this year’s purchase will be used at Cetronia, Ironton, Jaindl, Kernsville and Parkway Manor elementary schools, and at the high school.

In a different matter, the board approved purchase of a play structure and swing set for the Schnecksville Elementary School for $77,927.