USD 475 is now leasing a portion of its vehicle fleet, and delivery of vehicles for the Information Technology Department is under way.

David Wild, USD 475 Chief of Operations, made presentations to the Board of Education with a recommendation to look at using a fleet management program awarded to Enterprise Rental car by the Sourcewell purchasing cooperative. The competitively awarded contract allows municipalities, government entities and school districts to enter into an equity lease program for fleet vehicles.

“This isn’t a traditional lease program but is rather an equity lease initiative, “Wild states. The program includes a quarterly business review where Enterprise will provide data that ensures the District vehicle fleet is properly sized and the type of vehicles are appropriate for District needs.

Through its market analysis, Enterprise will advise the District when to re-sell vehicles to optimize return on investment.

“The purpose of this type of arrangement is to leverage the purchasing and selling power of Enterprise to minimize District operational costs. The business model demonstrates a net savings in operational expenses over time with warrantied, fuel efficient and safer vehicles. If savings are not achieved we’ll reverse the decision, ” explains Wild.

The District is also reducing the size of the District fleet by requiring the follow-on District custodial and maintenance contractor to provide its own vehicles, equipment and supplies. Procurement of those services is underway and is expected to transition July 1, 2020.