Published: August 12, 2008 06:25 pm      

Discussion on propane-powered school buses continues

Cumberland County students may be riding to school in propane-powered school buses in the near future.

After another month of research, Transportation Director Lane McAnally addressed the Cumberland County Board of Education again about propane-powered school buses and the possibility of incorporating several into his fleet.

"We can contract out the propane for one year," he said, "and that's with AmeriGas installing the [1,000-gallon] tank, fueling system and everything we need, except for the concrete pad, running water to it, guardrail…maintenance and labor."

He reassured the board that using the fuel in school buses is safe. As proof, he described the scene of an accident involving a propane-fueled school bus and a truck. The bus was hit broadside exactly where the propane tank was located, but because propane tanks are built to seal themselves off from the inside in case of an accident, no harm was done to the people on board.

"The truck burned. The bus did not. They fixed the bus and put it back on the road," he explained.

If a leak were to occur, propane would clean itself up by evaporating into the air without doing any damage to the atmosphere, he noted.

McAnally also reminded the board of how cost efficient propane is and pointed out how school systems in Texas are purchasing it for their buses at a rate of $1 per gallon instead of the average price of $2.32 per gallon. The systems have been using these types of buses for more than 25 years and are able to get a low price through rebates.

Though the BOE may start out paying the average rate, McAnally stated they should be eligible to apply for various government rebates and grants to assist with the cost of propane as well as the purchase of the buses. Plus, the BOE will likely see significant savings by making the switch to propane buses now while demand is low.

Instead of one as he originally recommended, he suggested the board consider phasing in three or four propane-powered buses this year depending on the budget. Although only one company, Blue Bird, manufactures the bus, McAnally was asked to gather specifications for the bid process before any action is taken.

•During its July monthly meeting, the BOE approved various items, including bylaws for the parent-teacher-student organization at Stone Memorial High School, the disposal of surplus equipment at North Cumberland Elementary School and specifications for a 10-pan gas steamer and a contract with Lifetouch Photographers for Brown Elementary School.

Fundraising agreements were accepted for Brown, Crab Orchard and Pine View elementary schools and SMHS. Homestead Elementary School's submission in the Lots 2 Give contest sponsored by Big Lots was approved, giving the school a chance to win a cash prize.

The lists of volunteers for Cumberland County High School and Crab Orchard Elementary School were approved for the 2008-'09 school year. The CCHS volunteers are C.J. Allred, Dietra Barnwell, Brenda Christ, Josh Green, Kip Henley, Aubrey King, Robin King, Charlie Sutton and Lynn Burgess. Danny Cumby will volunteer his services and assist with the football team at Crab Orchard.

In addition, the board approved the first readings of four policies pertaining to school attendance areas (1.703), school support organizations (2.404), attendance (6.200) and model of code of ethics, which be assigned a descriptor code by the Tennessee School Board Association (TSBA) at a later date.

Five policies had their second reading approved, including those on school board meetings (1.400), physical examinations and immunizations (6.402), student social services (6.407), married and/or pregnant students (6.501) and homeless students (6.503).

Lastly, special recognition was given to several individuals attending the meeting, such as area school board members Everett Massingil, Leroy Tate and Bill Brown, who were present to conduct an evaluation.

New administrators were introduced, including Rebecca Wood, instructional facilitator at the Central Office; Christie Lewis, principal of Martin Elementary; Summershea Shadden, assistant principal at Martin Elementary; and Stacy Mundy, assistant principal at Homestead Elementary.

School Nutrition Supervisor Kathy Hamby was acknowledged for earning her nutrition specialist certification, and representatives Robert Safdie, 1st District, and Dan Schlafer, 9th District, were presented with TSBA Master Boardmanship Level Five Awards.