Alachua County Public Schools to donate buses to local churches, non-profits.

Press release from Alachua County Public Schools

To support the community, Alachua County Public Schools is launching a new initiative, ‘Operation Moving Forward,’ to donate school buses to local churches, non-profit groups, and governmental entities.

The district recently purchased 80 new school buses, which means its fleet is now one of the newest in the state. Typically any surplus buses would be auctioned off to the highest bidder. But Superintendent Karen Clarke has decided to offer 40 ‘retiring’ buses to community groups instead.

“We know this pandemic is hurting many churches and non-profits,” said Clarke. “Like us, they are in the business of serving the people of Alachua County, and we want to help them do that.”

All of the buses are in working order and have been maintained on a monthly basis. 

The district will be accepting applications from churches and 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21. Forty eligible applications will be selected through a random drawing. Those selected will be invited to inspect the buses during the week of October 26. The giveaway will then be held on October 28.

More information about the giveaway and the application form are available at https://fl02219191.schoolwires.net/Page/30163. Anyone with questions can contact Assistant Superintendent Paul White at (352) 955-7400, ext. 1401 or whitepd@gm.sbac.edu.