In response to concerns about school bus inspection failures and bus safety, the School Department has hired a consultant specializing in pupil transportation to analyze the state of the bus fleet.

"It became really, very clear to me that there isn't clarity and there isn't a real understanding about this whole inspection process," said Director of Operations and Finance Ana Miranda during the May 12 School Committee meeting.

Consultant Colleen Cavanaugh said she will "provide an objective analysis of the data." She will examine Registry of Motor Vehicles inspection reports and compile the data by bus and reasons for failure. She will also review the district's preventative maintenance program, including pre- and post-trip vehicle checks conducted by drivers.

Cavanaugh will be paid $75 per hour for an estimated 20 to 26 hours of work, said Ana Miranda, Director of Operations and Finance. The payment, which will range from $1,500 to $2,000, will be paid out of the transportation revolving account, she said.

The money in the revolving account is a result of fees charged when Wareham transports out-of-district children.

Cavanaugh will present her findings to the School Committee's newly created Transportation Advisory subcommittee. School Committee members Kenneth Fontes and Geoff Swett will sit on that committee. Members of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee will be invited to join, School Committee Chairman Cliff Sylvia said.

Cavanaugh serves as treasurer on the board of the Massachusetts Association for Pupil Transportation, which aims to promote the highest standard of ethics and practices in pupil transportation, according to its website.