SABATTUS — School board directors have approved sending an advisory question to voters on Election Day that revisits the idea of privatized busing.

The RSU 4 board voted 7-1 Wednesday night to ask voters in Sabattus, Litchfield and Wales:

“Would you be in favor of having RSU #4 contract with a private company for all student bus transportation services instead of using its own personnel if the RSU #4 Board of Directors obtained a bid for such services that the Board determined was beneficial to the RSU?”

Joan Thomas from Litchfield was the only one to vote against.

Directors have wrestled with the issue since spring, at one point deciding to move ahead with privatizing and then changing their minds. The issue has been cast as keeping local jobs and local connections versus as much as $233,000 in savings.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said in Wednesday’s vote the board seemed to reach a general consensus that they will abide by residents’ decision, but the results won’t be binding.

If something changes and they have to go against the popular decision, they will, he said.

The district this summer laid off three bus drivers. It has 15 now.

“This is really the third year in a row we’ve made significant changes to the bus routes” trying to find efficiencies, Hodgkin said.

The advisory question will be posed to voters in the three towns on Nov. 6 at the polls.

kskelton@sunjournal.com

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