Changes are afoot in the transportation department of the Elma School District. The district is nearing completion on the construction of its transportation cooperative facility, and a new transportation director is at the helm.

Caleb Bogar was hired on March 9 as the new transportation supervisor. The position accounts for the eventual retirement of Tom Boling, longtime transportation maintenance director.

Bogar has worked for UPS for the last 10 years. He grew up in Raymond and has lived in Elma for nine years.

At UPS, Bogar supervised more than 60 employees. At the school district, he oversees about 25.

“I feel like I have a job with a purpose now,” Bogar said. “And I’m looking forward to being able to have more quality time with my family, and being able to live and work within the community.”

Bogar takes the reins of the transportation department just as the district’s new transportation cooperative facility is nearing completion.

Construction started in summer 2017, and Boling said the facility is expected to be ready by mid July.

Elma’s staff will perform maintenance of vehicles for several school districts, including McCleary and ESD 113. They’ll also provide maintenance for the Elma Fire Department and potentially other government agencies.

“As it grows, additional manpower can be added,” Boling said.

The school district paid $1.5 million for the new facility, and it received $2.5 million from the state.

“The state looks at coops as a very good deal,” Boling said.