Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — School buses are seen Tuesday parked outside Durham School Services of Central Missouri's bus depot at East Buchanan Street and Russellville Road. California R-I School District passed up more than $165,000 in savings for the next five years by deciding to continue its relationship with First Student, who has been serving the district since acquiring Apple Bus in February 2022, rather than switching back to Durham. California R-I Superintendent Daniel Williams explained the decision was about more than the cost as the provider transports the most precious cargo.
There's a time and a place to cut money in a budget -- and skimping on student transportation isn't it, argued California R-I Superintendent Daniel Williams.
