AKRON, Ohio-In a recent meeting, the Akron Public Schools’ Board of Education voted 6-1 to reject Templeton Transportation as its new transportation vendor. This decision followed strong objections from independent van drivers who have long served the district, including those transporting special needs students. Despite staff recommendations based on cost and fit with bid requirements, none of the independent contractors had responded to the bid request, potentially due to inability to meet the specified criteria. Board members engaged in heated debate with district administrators over the handling of the bidding process, with concerns raised about transparency and communication with the van drivers. The decision leaves the contract for the upcoming school year unfulfilled, signaling ongoing uncertainty for the future of transportation services within the district.
