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High school district hopes to increase fleet of buses
By Jason Baker
Transportation and technology were the hot topics at the June 1 meeting of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint High School District Board of Trustees.
Dorothy Diekmann, district director of business and operation, discussed the status of the district's transportation system, and plans for technological improvements at Saratoga and Los Gatos High schools.
Although no formal daily busing system is in place, Diekman said the district has five buses, used primarily for transporting students to extracurricular and athletic activities.
The district contracts with larger, private bus companies for transportation of large numbers of students or for travel outside Santa Clara County, and uses its buses, a 179-passenger, two 90-passenger and two smaller buses, for local trips. The buses are considered separate from minivans used for transportation of special education students.
In the early 1980s, the district sold buses from its fleet for $90,000, and has used the funds for transportation expenses, including charter costs and operator training. According to Diekmann, the district operating balance now is $18,000. Transportation costs vary depending on the condition of the vehicles and usage, officials said.
After discussion with parents and administrators, the district hopes to purchase new buses by mid-2000 to allow students to be transported to events together instead of in separate vehicles. The district reportedly has been added to a list for transportation funds provided by the state.
In preparation for moving education into the 21st century, administrators on June 1 presented trustees with a revised 1998-99 district technology plan, which had received approval from Santa Clara County.
The plan presented to trustees details of computer systems used in each department of both schools and provided scheduled technology upgrades to maintain the level of technological education needed by students in Silicon Valley.
Both high schools update their respective plans periodically based on the needs of students and administrators.
In personnel news, Superintendent Cynthia Ranii said the district will continue the search for a replacement for Diekmann, who will retire effective July 1. The district will continue to accept applications through June 14, she said.
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Saratoga, California Since 1975
