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Police searching for vehicle suspected in shooting

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Servants to one another

<p>WRIGHT TWP. &#8212; The Crestwood Area School Board voted Thursday night to enter into a possible contract with the Davis Transportation Inc. of Hunlock Creek to provide transportation services for the school year of 2019-2020, extending also through 2023-2024.</p><p>The Davis firm would succeed the Rinehimer Bus Company. The Crestwood board decided eartlier this year to curtail its association with Rinehimer. However, Rinehimer will continue to provide service through the end of the 2018-19 term.</p><p>Board member James Costello, who presided as president at the meeting, said that prospectively Crestwood stands to save $400,000 under terms which have been proposed by Davis. Overall, it was stated that the district could enter into an agreement with Davis at &#8220;A base rate&#8221; of $1.876 million.</p><p>Solicitor Jack Dean said at this point the wording to describe negotiations with Davis is that the district has entered into a &#8220;term sheet&#8221; with Davis.</p><p>Lauren Rakowski, an officer of the company, was present to outline the firm&#8217;s credentials which include providing services to both the Dallas Area and Wallenpaupack Area school districts. Rakowski said her firm emphasizes safety by having two-way radios on all buses, utilizing GPS services and providing safety training for its drivers.</p><p>Rakowski added there is &#8220;zero tolerance&#8221; on drug and alcohol usage by its employees during their working schedule and she added there are &#8220;job opportunities&#8221; available for drivers who are currently employed by Rinehimer.</p><p>&#8220;Our goal is to afford the students a clean, safe and comfortable environment,&#8221; Davis said. She added that the Davis family has been in the busing business since 1971</p><p>Prior to the vote, concern was expressed from the audience about staffing, which was an issue when the school board attempted to change busing affiliation two year ago. Board member Anna Hollick Bibla, who chairs the transportation committee, offered assurance that staffing will not be an issue.</p><p>The one major criticism came from Mark Markavage, who described himself as an Rinehimer employee and a driver with 40 years of experience.</p><p>Markavage questioned Davis&#8217; record and, furthermore, challenged the school board to &#8220;Do your research &#8230; It could be a mistake to hire Davis.&#8221;</p><p>Following Markavage&#8217;s remarks there was no other comment and the school directors, with seven of nine members present, voted to move ahead with the proposed deal with Davis.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Tom Huntington</p><p>For Times Leader</p></bylineMeta></div>

Crestwood moves toward new bus contract