During a special voting meeting on Monday, May 13, the Highlands School Board approved a contract with ABC Transit of Pittsburgh to provide transportation services for the District.

The five-year contract is expected to produce a savings of $755,379 and is estimated at a total cost of $15.48 million.

ABC Transit was one of two transportation companies that responded to a Request For Proposal (RFP) issued by the Highlands School District in March 2019. The other company was the District’s current transportation provider, W.L. Roenigk. With the official Board action, RFPs from both companies now will be made available on the District website.

“This was not an easy decision, but after careful review, the Board has opted to award the transportation contract to ABC Transit,” said School Board President Debbie Beale. “We thank W. L. Roenigk for its many years of service to this District and will work with both companies to ensure a smooth transition for our families.”

School districts in Pennsylvania are not required to seek proposals for transportation services; however, the School Board requested Administration open the RFP process for transportation services as part of an ongoing effort to improve fiscal responsibility District-wide.

“In 2016, the Auditor General’s office suggested school districts could improve their financial outlook by placing transportation contracts out for proposals,” said Superintendent Dr. Monique Mawhinney. “We have opted to not only seek proposals for transportation, but to employ the same process for all consumable and durable goods moving forward.”