2006 New Mexico Statutes - Section 22-8-27 — Transportation equipment.   (Effective July 1, 2007.)

22-8-27. Transportation equipment.   (Effective July 1, 2007.)

A.     The department shall establish a systematic program for the purchase of necessary school bus transportation equipment.  

B.     In establishing a system for the replacement of school-district-owned buses, the department shall provide for the replacement of school buses on a twelve-year cycle.  School districts requiring additional buses to accommodate growth in the school district or to meet other special needs may petition the department for additional buses.  Under exceptional circumstances, school districts may also petition the department for permission to replace buses prior to the completion of a twelve-year cycle or to use buses in excess of twelve years contingent upon satisfactory annual safety inspections.  

C.     In establishing a system for the use of contractor-owned buses by school districts or state-chartered charter schools, the department shall establish a schedule for the payment of rental fees for the use of contractor-owned buses.  The department shall establish procedures to ensure the systematic replacement of buses on a twelve-year replacement cycle.  School districts requiring additional buses to accommodate growth in the school district or to meet other special needs may petition the department for additional buses.  Under exceptional circumstances, school districts may also petition the department for permission to replace buses prior to the completion of a twelve-year cycle or to use buses in excess of twelve years contingent upon satisfactory annual safety inspections.  No school district shall pay rental fees for any one bus for a period in excess of five years.  In the event a school bus service contract is terminated, the department shall calculate the remaining number of years that a bus could be used based on a twelve-year replacement cycle and calculate a value reflecting that use.  The school district shall deduct an amount equal to that value from any remaining amount due on the contract or if no balance remains on the contract, the contractor shall reimburse the school district an amount equal to the value calculated.