Politics & Government

District 15 Says Outsourcing Saves $1.3 Million, DTU Threatens Litigation

A presentation planned for Wednesday's school board meeting shows $1.3 million in savings if the district outsources; DTU says D15 is incorrect, and they will use 'every legal option available' if outsourcing is utilized.

At Wednesday's school board meeting, a presentation is planned that, according to District 15, shows outsourcing bus services will save the school district $1.3 million over the next three years. 

The presentation, to be given by Mike Adamczyk, assistant superintendent for business and auxiliary services, shows reimbursements are heavily relied upon whether they are reported for in-house busing or outsourcing, each year between $5 and $6 million is estimated as reimbursable costs. 

In each of the scenarios, reimbursement figures are higher for outsourcing than they are for in-house transportation.

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School Year In-House Outsourcing Difference 2013-2014 $5,354,969 $5,850,567 $495,598 2014-2015 $5,557,781 $5,794,760 $236,979 2015-2016 $5,803,455 $5,952,979 $149,524

The information also shows that savings will incrementally rise if the school district utilizes outsourced busing:

School Year Savings to District 15 2013-2014 $373,577 2014-2015 $432,594 2015-2016 $497,294

District 15 Transportation Union President Carin Ulrich firmly disputes the numbers. 

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"We believe that the bid is not compliant with Public Act 095-0241, and the District is attempting to get taxpayer reimbursement for expenses which are by law not reimbursable," Ulrich said. 

District 15 has said that they have consulted the Illinois State Board of Education, in addition to receiving a legal opinion, that confirm what they estimate are reimbursable expenses for outsourcing, are accurate.

The presentation states they have compared information with other school districts who outsource busing, and found them to be using the same reimbursement practices.

In a recent Palatine Patch article, Ulrich stated that the DTU has determined that $2.8 million will be saved if the school district continues to utilize in-house busing services. 

"Just looking at the cost without reimbursement (straight numbers to straight numbers) in-house transportation is still less expensive," Ulrich said.

So the discrepency between the two sides is just over $4 million. 

Ulrich said if Distict 15 continues down this road, the DTU will take necessary action. 

"We will use every legal option available to us under the law including but not limited to grievances, binding arbitration, and litigation," Ulrich said. 

If the District continues it's path of intentionally violating state laws we will do everything within our power, regardless of cost or time involved, to force the District to obey the law, she said.

 

 

 


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