By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - Lakota Schools could be out of the transportation business as early as next month, a move that could save the district more than $1 million over three years.

The Lakota Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to contract with Petermann LLC to provide bus service, if final details of a contract are worked out by Friday.

"You had better do a good job," board President Joan Powell said to Petermann officials in the audience. "We are turning over ... Lakota's precious cargo (to you)."Petermann President Peter J. Settle pledged to offer jobs to every Lakota bus driver and was confident a final agreement could be negotiated by week's end.

"We've been through it many times with drivers," Settle said. "If they will give us a chance, we will earn their respect and trust."

Superintendent Kathleen Klink said the district could save as much as $1.1 million in transportation costs over three years by contracting with Petermann.

"For me they (transportation employees) are Lakota and they will always be Lakota employees, but their paychecks will come from another organization."

For the 2003-2004 school year, Lakota budgeted $9.2 million for transportation, not including the purchase of 10 new buses, said Alan Hutchinson, Lakota treasurer.

The district operates 192 routes with a fleet of 215 diesel buses, said Michael Rosenberger, director of transportation. About 16,300 students are transported daily. The district employs about 240 bus drivers, aides and mechanics.

Settle said Petermann could provide the same level of service as Lakota at less cost in part because its price for buses, parts and insurance are lower because of bulk purchases and contracts.

By becoming Petermann employees, drivers would also be eligible for unemployment compensation in the summer, which they don't receive as district employees.

Employees would be offered the same hourly rate of pay, remain in the state retirement system and would be offered comparable paid days off and health insurance, Settle said.