Cost-cutting overhaul won't be quick or easy

New recommendations lay out a "complex" plan that addresses oversight and procurement issues

By Mary Vorsino

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 01, 2012

~~<p>To rein in school bus costs, Hawaii should improve its procurement process, increase oversight and beef up staff training, says a consultant's report that warns such a major overhaul won't be easy, fast or pain-free.</p>
<p>In a 69-page report released Friday, Maryland-based consultant Management Partnership Services also said Hawaii's per-student expense for school bus services far exceeds national norms — and that skyrocketing costs cannot be explained by inflation alone.</p>
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To rein in school bus costs, Hawaii should improve its procurement process, increase oversight and beef up staff training, says a consultant's report that warns such a major overhaul won't be easy, fast or pain-free.

In a 69-page report released Friday, Maryland-based consultant Management Partnership Services also said Hawaii's per-student expense for school bus services far exceeds national norms — and that skyrocketing costs cannot be explained by inflation alone. Login for more...