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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public School Board discussed a new route-based school bus contract in order to emphasize efficiency.

Board reports show that an agreement is nearing for a six-year bus contract with Dietrich & Sons Inc. of Valley City. The contract amount being negotiated is around roughly $525,000 per year, which is more than the current $450,000 per year.

Jamestown Schools Superintendent Rob Lech stated that the proposed shift away from paying by mile to paying by route has caused the board to look deeper into efficiency for the drivers and school.

“We are now working to create efficient routes that still have reasonable ride times. This has led us to explore if we can afford to continue to transport students that are not attending the public schools. We have been able to accommodate in the past, but it just may not be possible moving forward with those limitations.” Lech stated.

The bus contract task force is continuing to look at countering the current proposal by Dietrich. A recommendation will be made following a meeting with the company.