Garaway Board welcomes new members, approves larger bus to address shortages
At its November 21, 2025 meeting the Garaway Board of Education recognized departing trustees John Shrock and April Beachy, seated two newly elected members, and approved the purchase of a larger special needs capable school bus to address route consolidation challenges. The decisions affect student transportation logistics, budget planning, and board continuity, matters that will shape district operations and community access to services.
Members of the Garaway Board of Education met on November 21, 2025 and moved to formalize several leadership and operational changes that officials said are intended to stabilize district services amid ongoing staffing pressures. The board acknowledged the departures of long serving members John Shrock and April Beachy and welcomed Angela Tango and Mark Blauch, who were elected to fill those seats. Board leadership transitions will take effect as the new trustees assume responsibilities for district policy and oversight.
The meeting's most consequential operational action was authorization to purchase a 2026 International IC 61 passenger bus with one wheelchair position, a vehicle that can be adapted to carry up to three wheelchairs. The bus will be acquired through a cooperative bid with Stark County and META Solutions at a cost of $147,834. In addition, the board approved cooperative purchasing options for an additional bus to provide flexibility in responding to shifting transportation needs.
School administrators explained the logic behind selecting a larger handicapped capable bus, citing the need to consolidate routes when driver shortages make multiple smaller routes impractical. Consolidation using a single larger vehicle aims to maintain service levels for students who rely on transportation, including those with mobility needs, while reducing the number of drivers required during each run. The change has budget implications, both in an upfront capital purchase and in operational considerations such as fuel, maintenance, and potential efficiencies from fewer total vehicle miles.
The meeting also included routine personnel matters, including acceptance of a retirement notice from district staff. The board accepted STEM classroom grant awards and other donations intended to support classroom programming and student learning opportunities. Policy revisions were adopted, reflecting the board's ongoing governance responsibilities though the specific policy changes were not detailed at the meeting summary.
These actions intersect with broader district concerns about workforce recruitment and retention, transportation equity, and fiscal stewardship. For families who rely on school transportation, adapting routes and equipment can affect pickup and drop off times, travel duration for students, and access for students who use wheelchairs. For taxpayers, cooperative purchasing is designed to leverage regional buying power, potentially lowering costs compared with standalone procurement.
The board listed upcoming meeting dates and encouraged residents to follow district communications for details on times and locations. For community members interested in transportation planning, budget priorities, or board governance, participation at public meetings and engagement with trustees will shape how these operational changes are implemented in the months ahead.
