A Regina-based driving school has been selected to provide driver training for Prairie South School Division, a decision that does not sit well with one board trustee.
During their recent May meeting, trustees received a report about the different tenders issued between March 31 and April 28. The division issued a request for proposal for (RFP) driver education during that period and, based on the applications received, selected Wascana Driving School based on criteria points.
Mary Jukes, a long-time Moose Jaw trustee, explained that she likes to shop local regularly to support the community. She questioned why the division would award the tender to a Regina driving school.
The top two RFPs were “extremely close” in points even though they were both out of town, explained Ron Purdy, manager of business development. Both applicants had plenty of experience, but there was a big difference in price points.
“We did get quite strong references for them. A principal was saying that they would give them a 10 out of 10, except because of COVID and not being able to meet, they would give them a nine,” he continued. “So we’re hoping we’ll get good service and it (the driving school) adapts to us because it’s doing the entire school division.”
In previous years, the division issued up to four RFPs for driving training in an attempt to cover the whole division, Purdy added. It’s great when an instructor can do that.
Tender projects
Other tenders awarded from March 31 to April 28 were:
- A quote was awarded to C&S Builders for $20,220 for accessibility upgrades at Assiniboia Composite High School and Coronach School
- A tender was awarded to Excel Refrigeration for $394,790 for a mechanical upgrade at Rockglen School
- A quote was awarded to Hillman AV for $26,279 to install a new digital projector in the A.E. Peacock auditorium
- A quote was awarded to Arctic Acres for $22,030 to install a grow dome at Prince Arthur School in Moose Jaw
The project at Prince Arthur is a garden project that will see trees planted and a greenhouse erected so students can grow vegetables and plants inside.
“The kids there are very excited about this,” said education director Tony Baldwin.
Wakamow Valley Authority and the area watershed association are working with the school on this project, said trustee Todd Johnson, who is also the general manager of WVA. The authority provided some supplies, while the watershed association is showing online how much progress has been made with the initiative.
This is a great project for students since they will learn from where their food comes, he added.
The next PSSD board meeting is Tuesday, June 1.
