The Perry School District recently approved a big purchase, but it was a lot less expensive than they originally thought.

The school needed to buy a new school bus, and had earmarked $105,000 for that purpose. However, Transportation Director Troy Griffith came back with bids for a new bus, and the lowest was for just $89,500. Superintendent Clark Wicks said it’s always a big relief when you don’t have to spend as much money as you had planned. That’s especially true when it comes to big ticket necessities. “Each year, you have to take care of your infrastructure. And the transportation is such a key here in Perry, as well as many schools, and those buses have to be safe, they have to be running well, and we always want to add to the fleet.”

In addition to the low price on the bus, Griffith said the dealer also offered a 10-year, 200,000 mile extended warranty for $4,100. Wicks said the warranty was really a no-brainer for the School Board, as it would essentially pay for itself after a very short time. “When you get into these newer buses, there’s going to be parts that are going to need to be replaced. And it will well exceed that $4,100. So this warranty is going to be well worth the cost.”

The School Board unanimously approved spending $93,600 for the school bus purchase and warranty. Griffith said it should be in their possession by July 15.