NIAGARA, Wis. — The Niagara Board of Education agreed to set aside a bidding policy so the district can purchase a 2002 Ford Transit Van from Master’s Transportation in Kansas City, Mo.

Superintendent Nathaniel Burklund said he had spoken with the salesman before the meeting and was able to bring the price down to $53,600, which includes conversion from a 12- to 15-passenger van to a 10-passenger van, plus a three-year warranty and delivery. The previous price was $54,471.

It also has all-wheel drive and comes with a more durable floor. The van should be delivered before spring break, set for March 30 through April 3.

The competitive bids language in Policy 6320 requires the district to seek bids on items more than $50,000.

Burklund explained the district was having trouble finding a suitable-sized van. He had contacted several dealerships and finally found one that could be converted. He also spoke with the district’s attorney, who advised the board could suspend or waive that policy if it benefits the district.

The district can use the 10-person van to transport students to sporting events and other activities and the driver doesn’t need to have commercial driver’s license as they would with a larger van. Many days there are several activities going on at the same time and students must leave for spring sporting events early in the afternoon near the time bus routes run, so there is a need for extra vehicles.

“Some sports start earlier and you have to get kids home,” he said.

The district may be purchasing another similar van in the future. With two vans they can transport 18 kids.

The conversation must be done by a certified dealer. He said that Town & Country in Quinnesec is working toward getting that certification. He also talked with a dealer in Hortonville, Wis., that had a van. They were going to go through a third party to convert it, but he didn’t hear back from them. He also contacted someone in Escanaba.

In other business last week, the board —

— Approved a bus driver route increase to $24 per hour and a bus driver extracurricular wage increase to $25 per hour.

— Authorized an additional $20 substitute incentive for Badger Care coverage when called within a 12-hour notice.

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.