TRANSPORTATIONREJECTED

Merrimack Valley School Board Meeting Minutes April 2026

Board Rejects Five-Year Transportation Contract with First Student

$2,800,000 annual in-district transportation budget; potential yearly savings estimated between $300,000 and $500,000; $1.3 million purchase of district fleet, tools, and equipment; drivers at $31.10/hourMerrimack Valley School DistrictFIRST STUDENTApril 6, 2026

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Description

The Merrimack Valley School Board considered but ultimately rejected a proposed five-year student transportation contract with First Student that included the $1.3 million purchase of the district’s bus fleet and guaranteed hiring of current drivers at $31.10 per hour. Despite projected annual savings of $300,000 to $500,000 and defined rate escalators, the motion to award the contract for July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2031 failed on a 6–5 roll call vote.

Contract Details

Contract Amount

Vendor

FIRST STUDENT

Agency

Merrimack Valley School District, NH

Contract Type

TRANSPORTATION

Document Date

April 6, 2026

Contract Term

July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2031 (five-year contract with 4% annual increase, projected 5% increase after five years)

Renewal Date

2031-06-30

Renewal Info

Proposal contemplated a five-year base term with 4% annual rate increases and a projected 5% increase after the term; First Student indicated guaranteed employment of current drivers if the contract were renewed. No contract was executed due to the board vote, so renewal options remain hypothetical.