Superintendent flags bus safety risk from town mechanic shortage, seeks alternative maintenance

What happened

At the August 4, 2026 retreat, Superintendent Zaleski told the Committee that two of three town mechanic positions have been vacant for a considerable time, and that a school bus recently broke down on the highway while another suffered brake failure. The Committee voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to initiate a competitive process to secure an outside transportation maintenance agreement to ensure student safety.

Why it matters to families

Documented bus breakdowns and brake failure linked to unfilled town mechanic positions represent a material student-safety risk affecting all students who ride district buses, prompting the district to bypass the town's normal maintenance arrangement.

The evidence

"Dr. Zaleski brings to the Committee's attention that the lack of available town mechanics is causing student safety issues, noting that a school bus recently broke down on the highway and another suffered brake failure... the situation has reached a point where student safety is directly impacted... Ms. Selvig moves that the Weston School Committee authorize the Superintendent to initiate a competitive process for the purpose of securing a transportation maintenance agreement to ensure student safety; ... The motion passes unanimously."

The source