The Pioneer Board of Education learned how the Maintenance Department plans to spend $100,000 annually budgeted for equipment replacement.
The board met in regular session on Oct. 18.
Director of Buildings & Grounds/Maintenance Nick Titus explained that every year, the department evaluates the following equipment:
· six plow fleet trucks
· the Athletics equipment bus
· five Department of Transportation-inspected district transportation vehicles
· two School Resource Officer vehicles
· the Driver Education car
· all district grounds equipment (five multi-purpose tractors, three mowers, three gators, a skid steer, a landscaping tractor, Agriculture department tractor, and athletic field groomer).
“Our plow fleet is a top priority,” Mr. Titus said. “We have created a plan to purchase a pickup truck every year. This is our sixth straight year purchasing a new pickup truck.”
Mr. Titus said the cost of everything has increased, and maintenance equipment is a prime example. He detailed the latest equipment replacement plan involving a 2014 minivan, a 2019 pickup truck, and a 2011 multipurpose tractor, with a total cost of $113,433 after trade-ins.
He said part of this year’s equipment replacement costs can be covered with federal Covid relief funds. He also explained that the department has been trading in certain equipment before it becomes too aged or worn, so there is a decent amount of remaining value.
Mr. Titus’s presentation contained both short-term and long-term plans for plow fleet replacement. He said reliable equipment is needed In dealing with winter and opening up multiple schools early in the morning.
He shared a preview of next year’s equipment replacement plan, including a gang mower, pickup truck and tractor, at $135,000 total after trade-in.