The Suttons Bay Board of Education was briefed Monday on the status of a discussed takeover of the district’s busing system by the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA).

Superintendent Mike Murray said he’s been researching state law involving public transportation, and late last year he contacted BATA director Tom Menzel to discuss turning over busing to the agency. At the time, Murray said the district could save an estimated $500,000 a year by having BATA oversee student busing.

One possible scenario is that half of the cost would come from the purchase of passes for students to use BATA buses, and that BATA would receive 50 percent federal reimbursement for its role.
Murray, however, said that could present a complication.

“My research into state and federal law indicates that if the government is kicking in any money, that would compete with private business. That’s considered unfair competition and isn’t allowed,” he explained, even though there are no other transportation companies in the region equipped to transport students from an entire school district.

In addition, the purchase of passes for needy families has also been questioned.

“We may need to have them purchased by the Suttons Bay Educational Advancement Foundation,” he said.
Murray said that he has contacted the Thrun law firm for answers to questions he has and what, if any, arrangements would be allowed.

“I’ve done a lot of research, but haven’t found any situations exactly like ours,” he said. “I’ve also found a host of miscommunications about what can be done.”

Among them, he said, are what he called unfounded concerns that the public transportation system would have to accommodate intoxicated individuals and allow them to ride the bus with students.

“They’re not going to let someone who is drunk and disorderly on the bus. They can deny service to anyone,” Trustee John Zachman said.

Other issues that need to be addressed are the representation of drivers, from both BATA and the school district. BATA drivers are represented by the United Auto Workers, while the school drivers’ union is the Michigan Education Association.

“Neither wants the other to represent their members,” Murray said.

There was no agreement for board members to act upon, and Murray said he’s scheduled to meet Monday with Menzel and will report back at an upcoming meeting.