SHALIMAR — A few transportation needs, some new maintenance equipment and an infusion of new technology is in the Okaloosa County School District's future. The Okaloosa County School Board has decided how it will spend nearly $3 million collected from schools’ savings after switching to a district-controlled budget approach.
The total amount — $2.79 million — will purchase, among other things, 15 school buses; three with a wheelchair lift. It is the first time the district purchased school buses since 2008.
Six riding floor cleaners will go to the district’s biggest schools, according to Assistant Superintendent Nick Kootsouradis.
The board also approved the purchase of 16 maintenance pickup trucks, a dump truck, 16 restroom cleaning machines, and bus cameras. The new pickup trucks will replace an aging fleet, where about 80 percent are 15 years old or older, according to Steve Bolton, program director for district maintenance.
The new dump truck will serve a variety of projects around the district including hauling in sand for playgrounds and dirt for sports fields, he said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: $2.79 million windfall to pay for new school buses, maintenance equipment