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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN

Q

USD 410 recently purchased a new Ford Excursion. Why didn’t they buy a less expensive van like the Econoline? With the schools in Kansas crying about a shortfall, why do we need a car with all the bells and whistles, funded by taxpayers?

A

Superintendent Gordon Mohn said the decision to purchase the Excursion was a question of safety, durability and resale value.

The district bought a 2002 Ford Excursion for $24,165 and a 2002 Dodge van for $18,000, Mohn said.

Both vehicles have the same capacity, so they carry the same number of students.

“Some people think those vans can carry more people, but there are regulations that don’t let us do that,” he said.

Mohn said volunteer drivers are often uncomfortable driving a van, which becomes a safety issue. The district doesn’t want to put an uneasy driver behind the wheel.

“We’re also trying to drive our vehicles more miles, and an Excursion is a lot safer and durable vehicle at 120,000 miles than a van.”

The district’s Excursion is a basic model without the bells and whistles, Mohn said.

“It’s a better vehicle than a regular Econoline van. When we trade it in, we’ll get more for an Excursion with the same number of miles as a van.”

Do you have a question about Daily Life? Send it to the Free Press, 116 S. Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063; e-mail: staff@hillsborofreepress.com

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