By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

LIBERTY TWP. - Lakota school officials are considering "contracting out" bus transportation for students, a move that has distressed some bus drivers and aides.

Two companies have submitted proposals to provide bus services, and a school board committee will meet this week to review them.

School officials are exploring numerous ways of cutting costs after the failure of a school levy in March. The board has reduced spending by $4 million since March, and has made $3 million in permanent cuts.

But drivers and aides are urging the board to look at factors other than cost before making a decision.

If the board goes with a private company, "safety will no longer be the top priority. Making money will be the first priority," said driver Jeff Honerlaw, who lives in the district.

Honerlaw's comments came Monday, shortly after Superintendent Kathleen Klink asked the board to appoint two members to sit on the committee that will include at least one bus driver or aide.

So far the district has received proposals from Laidlaw Transit and Petermann LLC. A recommendation is likely to come in about a month, Klink said.