Dist. 135 Increases Student Fees, Delays Decision on Bus Firm Switch

ORLAND PARK, IL - The Orland School District 135 voted to raise student fees for the first time in nearly 10 years. The $20 increase in annual student fees won approval by a 6-1 vote.

The board voted Monday to raise student fees but delayed a resolution on whether to switch from their current contract with Student Transportation of America in order to have American School Bus Company take over next school year.

According to the Chicago Tribune, Student Transportation won a three-year contract with a bid that was about $200,000 a year below what American had charged. The switch was rough, with the start of the school year bringing hundreds of complaints of missed stops, late or no-show buses and unprofessional drivers. This left the school district to ultimately hire American to take over. District officials said that the transition could cost the district as much as $800,000 more a year.

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