BOONEVILLE - A software program that analyzes bus use and routes could save the Prentiss County School District money in its transportation budget, a school official told the board at a recent meeting.

The school board is expected to decide at its next meeting whether to implement the transportation software package, depending on whether it can use federal Safe and Orderly Schools funds to pay for it.

Transportation director Jason McKinney said the program uses GPS software to establish bus route data, then analyzes the information to eliminate any overlaps of routes, resulting in fuel cost savings.

Bus records also would be kept current with maintenance information using the software.

Emergency contact information for students on each bus can be put in the software to give drivers the ability to notify the appropriate person should an emergency arise, he said.

Initial installation cost of the program is $8,500, with an annual maintenance fee of $2,200.

Board members agreed to consider the request again at its next regular meeting Monday.

McKinney said the program must be approved by the end of June to lock in the quoted costs.

Contact Lena Mitchell at (662) 287-9822 or lena.mitchell@djournal.com.