SD44 - Study of the Renovation of School Buses by Virginia's Correctional Enterprises


Executive Summary:
Senate Joint Resolution No. 471 directs the Public Safety Subcommittees of the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Appropriations to study the renovation of school buses by Virginia's correctional institutions. The Department of Corrections operated such a facility in the 1980's at Brunswick Correctional Center, but terminated the operation in 1992 due to a lack of profitability and support from local school divisions.

In view of the lack of positive support from the Department of Education for reestablishing such a facility, the many and complex policy concerns raised by DOE, and the experience of other states, it is difficult to envision how such a facility could be profitable today. It is likely that the General Assembly would have to mandate local school participation in this program in order to assure a sufficient workload to justify the start-up and operating costs.

The subcommittees conclude it is best not to dictate to VCE whether a specific product or service should be produced. The issues raised in this study regarding the life expectancy, safety and emissions standards of school buses are simply beyond the area of concern and expertise of the subcommittees. Furthermore, VCE would need to conduct a thorough market analysis to determine if there would be sufficient demand for this type of service and if such an operation fits within its mission and business plan.