SC ponders turning buses over to school districts

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The primary sponsor of a bill that would turn the state-run school bus system over to local districts told a House panel he wants to give opponents time to review his amendments to the measure before bringing it up for a vote.

The bill would allow school districts to either run the buses themselves or turn operation and maintenance over to a private firm.

Much of the discussion Tuesday dealt with potential privatization. Executives from three companies say private systems would save money that could be put into buying new buses.

But officials who handle buses say the state hasn’t kept promises to buy new buses before and the state-run system is working efficiently.

After two hours of testimony, Charleston Republican Rep. Jim Merrill asked to postpone a vote.