MONROE - The PT Cruiser fleet is about to be invaded by some interlopers from Ford and Toyota.
The Monroe School District is considering purchasing three vehicles for the Monroe Virtual School. The vehicles are used for teachers who travel extensively throughout the state to meet with students and parents.
The board Monday looked at a cost analysis that compared the purchase price, along with the estimated cost for insurance, maintenance, repairs and fuel over the next year, for a 2009 Dodge Avenger, a 2008 Chrysler Sebring, a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, a 2009 Ford Focus, a 2009 Ford Fusion, a 2008 Pontiac G6, a 2009 Toyota Corolla, a 2009 Toyota Matrix, a 2009 Toyota Camry, a 2009 Chevy HHR, a 2009 Chevy Cobalt, a 2009 Chevy Malibu, a used 2008 Prius, a used 2008 PT Cruiser, a used 2008 Ford Focus and a used 2008 Ford Fusion.
Business Manager Ron Olson said the Focus and the Corolla are top-rated vehicles. He recommended the board look at those two, as well as the Prius, which is a hybrid electric car that gets an estimated 46 miles to the gallon of gas. The purchase price for the vehicles is $14,670 for the Focus, $16,334 for the Corolla and $25,000 for the Prius.
Last year, the board decided to purchase PT Cruisers to keep a uniform look to the Virtual School fleet. This year, however, fuel economy and the price of gas dictate the district look at other models, Olson said.
The board postponed making a decision about the vehicles until school staff has a chance to drive the vehicles and offer a recommendation.
The Monroe School District is considering purchasing three vehicles for the Monroe Virtual School. The vehicles are used for teachers who travel extensively throughout the state to meet with students and parents.
The board Monday looked at a cost analysis that compared the purchase price, along with the estimated cost for insurance, maintenance, repairs and fuel over the next year, for a 2009 Dodge Avenger, a 2008 Chrysler Sebring, a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, a 2009 Ford Focus, a 2009 Ford Fusion, a 2008 Pontiac G6, a 2009 Toyota Corolla, a 2009 Toyota Matrix, a 2009 Toyota Camry, a 2009 Chevy HHR, a 2009 Chevy Cobalt, a 2009 Chevy Malibu, a used 2008 Prius, a used 2008 PT Cruiser, a used 2008 Ford Focus and a used 2008 Ford Fusion.
Business Manager Ron Olson said the Focus and the Corolla are top-rated vehicles. He recommended the board look at those two, as well as the Prius, which is a hybrid electric car that gets an estimated 46 miles to the gallon of gas. The purchase price for the vehicles is $14,670 for the Focus, $16,334 for the Corolla and $25,000 for the Prius.
Last year, the board decided to purchase PT Cruisers to keep a uniform look to the Virtual School fleet. This year, however, fuel economy and the price of gas dictate the district look at other models, Olson said.
The board postponed making a decision about the vehicles until school staff has a chance to drive the vehicles and offer a recommendation.