ART - Privatization Analysis 2009

The document is a report on the privatization analysis of school bus management services in Culpeper County, Virginia. The report highlights the need for adequate and safe busing for the increasing school population in the county, with the goal of delivering a quality educational program. The current budget for school transportation is provided, and the county administrator has requested an inquiry into the options, advantages, disadvantages, and potential cost savings of privatizing student transportation services. The report emphasizes the importance of evaluating the full cost of transportation and determining the transportation needs before considering privatization. It also mentions the need for a competitive local market and the importance of drawing up comprehensive contracts with incentive clauses and provisions for buying back buses if the county wishes to resume in-house services. The report discusses the advantages of privatization, such as cost reduction and improved service quality through competition, as well as disadvantages, including potential cost underestimation by contractors and reduced control over day-to-day operations. The report concludes by acknowledging the complexity of privatizing student transportation services and the potential impact on school staff, suggesting options for a smooth transition if privatization is implemented. The overall goal is to ensure the delivery of a quality educational program through the utilization of a school bus management program.