Dodson Public Schools continues enhancements

As Dodson Public School starts it’s new year, the district also welcomes a new building and fleet of vehicles into the fold as Dodson Schools continues to improve it’s campus and experience for the community.

“This isn’t just about a bus garage,” Dodson Superintendent Gary Weitz told the PCN. “This is an ongoing vision to enhance the quality of the school district and culture.”

Superintendent Weitz and the board embarked on a mission to improve the school since he was hired in 2015. Since 2015, Dodson Schools have seen improvements in several categories including the modernization of technology, curriculum, enhancement of the campus facilities, grounds, equipment. The school has also increased salaries for its’ teachers and staff.

Another big goal was reached this summer as the district took steps to be self-sufficient in it’s modes of transportation.

“Our bus transportation service was privately contracted for decades,” Superintendent Weitz said. “The use of that service was no longer cost effective.”

The school property includes a newly built 60’X60’ three bay bus garage and a new fleet consisting of a 2020 Ford Transport Van, a 30 passenger bus, 42 passenger bus and 2021 52 person Diesel Coach Liner Activity Bus.

The process of purchasing the new bus fleet began in the 2019-20 school year with the addition of the van nicknamed the “Mean Green Coyote Machine.” and concluded with the installation of the garage bay doors less than two weeks ago.

Supt. Weitz said that this was a one and a half year long project and he is proud to announce that the fleet is ready to go in the 2020-21 school year. More things included in the project were getting the fleet “Montana Ready,” hiring and establishing drivers, licensing, developing board policies and regulations to guide transportation, and developing service and maintenance procedures.

“We made it!” he said.

Concrete flooring and further electrical will be completed part of the original bid acceptance during the school year.

The cost of the transportation project will come at a cost of at or around $500,000, according to Supt. Weitz. He believes that by running their own self-sufficient transportation service, the project will pay for itself in three to three-and-a-half years.

Supt Weitz said that in order to financially support its’ renovations Dodson School receives revenues from several streams to support the district’s operating budget. One of the dominant programs includes the Federal Impact Aid Program (FIAP), which was started in the 50’s to assist in areas without tax base resources.

He said that budgeting, planning, and fiscal responsibility in addition to FIAP have made the school’s improvements possible over the past five years.

“Feedback on the improvements to Dodson Schools has been nothing but positive,” Supt. Weitz said.