(KNZA)--The South Brown County USD 430 Board of Education approved the purchase of a new bus when they met last week.

According to the unofficial meeting minutes, the board approved the purchase of a 65-passenger bus from Kansas Truck Equipment in the amount of nearly $112,000. It was lowest among three bids received.

The district will be reimbursed for up to 25 percent of the cost of the new bus through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Clean Diesel program.

In other business, the board discussed the current condition of the high school track. With all the gaps in the track, it makes it unsafe for students to run on the track. The district received a $6,000 estimate to fill the cracks. However, the board was told they will need to look into replacing the track and repairing the bleachers as they are just wasting money on temporary fixes. It was the consensus of the board to fill the cracks this year and to look at a long range plan moving forward.

Superintendent Jason Cline reported to the board to the that the transition from food service provider Taher to self-operating has been very smooth. Taher informed the district before Christmas break they would be ending their contract with the district effective February 1st.

Cline said this month's menus are posted on the district website, and they have a system in place for ordering and receiving food. He said Samantha Baker has taken on the role of food service manager and is doing a great job along with all the other cooks.

The district plans to submit another request for bids in the spring, with hopes of selecting another food service company for the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

Following an executive session, the board approved one year contract extensions for Horton High School Principal Larry Mills, Everest Middle School Principal Travis Torkelson and Curriculum Director Robyn Allen.