NATCHEZ — The Natchez-Adams School Board recently approved a $306,400 purchase of four new activity buses for the district, which board members said would ultimately reduce district costs.

During a special-called meeting Monday, the board unanimously agreed to purchase the buses — complete with air conditioning and storage compartments — from Waters Truck and Tractor Company Inc. for $76,600 each.

The district currently charters buses from Durham School Services for both regular transportation of students and for extracurricular activities, said board member Thelma Newsome.

“When we have to pay Durham, we have to pay an excessive amount of money,” Newsom said. “I can’t see anything in the world wrong with us agreeing to purchase the buses. It is a win-win situation all around.”

She said the district would save money as well as have more convenience by having its own buses for special student activities — such as field trips and athletic events.

“There is a certain time limit in which the children would have to return (from trips) because Durham’s buses have to run the school routs as well,” Newsome said. “By having our own activity buses, it enables our children to do activities and not have to rush back in a certain time frame.”

Board member Phillip West said the decision to purchase new school buses could also save the district money over time.

“We would save money in the long run — we would save taxpayers money,” West said. “I think that is a good thing to do.”

Superintendent Fred Butcher said the board has worked hard to extend funds across the district without requesting more money from the county.

“Over a three-year period, we paid Durham between $100,000 and $175,000,” Butcher said. “In three and a half years, the buses will have paid for themselves. So we won’t have to worry about that outflow of $175,000. The only thing we’ll worry about is paying for the gasoline and the drivers.”