JEFFERSON TWP — While W.L. Roenigk has provided school bus services to the South Butler School District for 16 years, the company will face competition for the district's transportation contract.

The school board, at its Wednesday night meeting, determined that it will hear presentations from Roenigk and another transportation company, which school officials declined to identify, for transportation services.

The district's contract with Roenigk expires at the end of the current school year.

Jo Rickerd, an employee of W.L. Roenigk, told the board during the meeting's public comment session that the company “is all about the kids.”

She urged the board to retain Roenigk even if it has to pay a little more.

“A lot of parents are concerned about where this contract may go next time,” Rickerd said.

Superintendent David Foley explained to the capacity crowd in the middle school library that the school board wants to know the actual dollar amounts associated with the cost of certain routes.

In an effort to do so, some board members are interested in asking for proposals from another transportation company to do a comparison.

The current budget for transportation in the district is $2.8 million.

Foley asked the board for direction.

Board member George Zacherl said because the transportation contract does not fall under the requirement to seek bids, administrators should ask for proposals from both Roenigk and the other vendor.

“That fulfills our duty to all constituents,” Zacherl said.

Board member Jackie Pfeiffer agreed, saying the board would be failing the community if it didn't seek all avenues regarding transportation.

Board President Matt Cimbala also agreed.

“More information isn't going to hurt anything,” he said.

But Donna Eakin, board vice president, said the district should stick with Roenigk because the company offered superior service over the past 15 years.

Two other board members agreed with Eakin.

After a discussion on the matter, Foley said he would contact the two transportation companies to get proposals for the board.