LIBERTY — An agreement between two districts for services has finally been set, as the Liberty Board of Education approved a shared services agreement with Girard City School District.

According to the resolution, Liberty could not employ a chief bus mechanic/bus driver and was in need of someone to assume the role, which Girard had.

The agreement allows Liberty to purchase 50% of the employee’s services from Girard for the upcoming school year, effective today through July 30, 2027, which will be reimbursed to Girard through half of the employee’s $72,800 salary and fringe benefits, which will be included in invoices to the school.

The resolution states that the employee will remain a Girard City School District employee for the duration of his contract, and the school will be responsible for any actions, payroll obligations and statutory reporting of the employee for services being provided under the agreement.

The Girard Board of Education met in a special session June 1 to approve the agreement.

Liberty Superintendent Brian Knight said he spoke with Girard Superintendent Bryan O’Hara, presenting the notion that such an agreement would save both districts money in the long run, while giving Liberty a needed service.

“As districts start to realize the increase in costs, we have to ensure that we partner together for opportunities that allow us to continue the best service possible for families and students,” Knight said. “There were changes in maintenance requirements for transportation, and we wanted to ensure that we have certified people completing those tasks without having to use an outside entity.”

Board member Adam Earnheardt said the move will save Liberty approximately $30,000 a year, which Knight confirmed.