Claremont : Plan to Trim School Costs

The city and school district are moving to consolidate their vehicle maintenance operations, saving the district $350,000.

City Manager Glenn Southard and Supt. Douglas Keeler are finalizing details of an agreement that is expected to go before the City Council and Board of Education in time to combine operations by September. No date has been set for a vote on the measure.

School officials say the plan will save the cash-strapped district $150,000 as well as allow it to avoid a onetime outlay of $250,000.

The $250,000 will be saved by using the city’s Corporation Yard as a fueling facility, rather than upgrading the district’s fueling station to South Coast Air Quality Management District standards, say district officials. The $150,000 annually will be saved by having city staff maintain all school vehicles and increased use of a private bus company.