Smith Bus Company is publicly challenging Marion Center School District’s decision to award its transportation contract to Woodridge Transit.
In a statement, Smith says its 17-year contract with the district ended June 30th, after the district selected Woodridge in December. Smith alleges potential conflicts of interest involving district Transportation Director Ken Kirkland, Woodridge owner Kelley Wood, and others with family or business connections.
The company also claims Woodridge’s finalized rates were significantly higher than its original proposal.
Smith says a comparison of the two five-year proposals shows the district could pay about $880,000 more by choosing Woodridge, rather than the company it previously used.
Smith also disputes the district’s earlier claim that the switch would save about $517,000 over seven years.
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