In an effort to increase their fleet and replace vehicles with high mileage, USD 428 in Great Bend sent out bid proposals for three vehicles. Marmie Chrysler Dodge, Marmie Chevrolet Buick GMC, and Marmie Ford submitted bids back for a pair of vans and sport utility vehicle.

There was a relatively inexpensive Chevrolet Express 12-passenger van, but USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton says the state will not allow school districts with that size of a van.

Khris Thexton Audio

The 7-passenger Dodge Grand Caravan SE came with a price of $25,764. The 9-passenger Chevrolet Suburban’s bid was $39,767, and the 10-passenger Ford Transit was $26,682. The USD 428 Board of Education approved all three bids.

Thexton noted if the staff is comfortable driving the 10-passenger vans, then the Transit will be something the district looks into more in the future.

Khris Thexton Audio

The thought of getting the full-size van and SUV is to help alleviate sending out a bus for smaller groups. The Suburban is expected to be delivered in October, while the Caravan and Transit should arrive in December.