The Butler Area School District has notified their bus supplier that the company is out of compliance with their service contract with the district.
A total of 21 Valley Lines buses were taken off regular routes on Dec. 8 due to their age. All the buses reportedly passed recent inspections but the contract between the district and Valley Lines requires the buses be no more than 11 years old. Spare buses are allowed to be used until Thursday, at which time all buses must be in compliance with the contract.
The alleged contract violation puts the district at risk of losing reimbursement money received from the state for transporting students on newer buses. Officials with Valley Lines have reportedly agreed to cover the cost of any lost reimbursement, as well as legal costs and fees paid to a consultant hired by the district.
District administrators became aware of the apparent contract violation as a result of a recent crash involving a 2004 Valley Lines bus. Butler’s solicitor has notified the state police and district attorney of the situation. District administrators say Valley Lines representatives claim to have misinterpreted or misunderstood the contract.
Written By: Ryan Saeler
