Grosskopf looks to sell bus company

After decades of serving the Shawano School District, Scott Grosskopf is planning to retire. His company could still provide bus service for area schoolchildren, though. Grosskopf told the school district’s Executive Committee on Monday that he is planning to sell Grosskopf Bus Company to Johnson Bus Company, based in Fond du Lac. To sweeten the deal, Grosskopf wants a five-year contract with the school district. Grosskopf is midway through the first year of a three-year arrangement with the district. “This is my 40th year, and I’m ready to phase out,” Grosskopf said. “I’ve got a real good opportunity.” Johnson Bus Company, founded in 1942, services school districts in Beaver Dam, Campbellsport, Cedar Grove, Fond du Lac, Horicon, Kewaskum, Menomonee Falls, Oakfield, Plymouth, Port Washington, Waupun and West Bend. Grosskopf pointed that he is still negotiating with Johnson, and no papers have been signed. Even if the deal goes through, Grosskopf said he plans to stay on with the company for one to two years to make sure the process goes smoothly. Originally, he had hoped to pass on the business to one of his children, Grosskopf said, but none of them was interested. Grosskopf told the committee that the district is saving $61,000 annually by using his company to transport students. The CESA 8 average transportation cost per student is $553 annually, he noted, while Grosskopf charges $514 per student per year. The deal is expected to go through regardless of the length of contract, according to Grosskopf, but a longer deal would be more helpful in the negotiations. “I’m not going to get my value out (of the deal) if the agreement is only for three years instead of five years,” Grosskopf said. “I’ve never asked for a five-year contract because we have a good trust arrangement.” Superintendent Gary Cumberland said the contract the district has with Grosskopf has a clause that would allow the district to continue its relationship with the bus company, even with the shift in ownership. Committee members decided it would be better for the whole School Board to hear Grosskopf’s recommendation. The board will discuss the matter on Dec. 2.