At the most recent Highland School Board meeting, they were expected to look at bids and approve the purchase of a new diesel school bus for the coming year. However, Superintendent Chris Armstrong says the board decided to table the bus purchase, because they want to take a look at possibly getting a gas-powered bus. Gas buses have a few advantages over diesel, including requiring less oil during oil changes, and a reduced purchase price.

Armstrong says the board wanted to take a closer look at gas buses before making a final decision, “Well, it’s one of those things where it’s a relatively new product on the market, so that’s something a person always has to weigh. Are all the kinks worked out, are all the bugs worked out? So the board will have to think about that and decide which direction they want to go for this year.” A decision between gas and diesel buses will likely be made at the school board meeting on March 27th. To hear more about the recent Highland School Board meeting, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Armstrong at KCIIRadio.com.