As part of King County’s annual Retired Van Donation Program, Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer secured a retired King County vanpool van for the Auburn School District.

“As King County continues to have to make difficult decisions concerning the budget, this program becomes even more important and remains a lifeline to support our regions hard working schools.” said Pete von Reichbauer, King County Councilmember. “I know this retired van will assist the Auburn School District in carrying out their mission of service in these tough economic times.”

In 1996, the Metropolitan King County Council passed legislation, created by then- Budget Chair von Reichbauer, transferring passenger vans to nonprofit organizations and local governments that meet the needs of low-income, elderly, disabled and young people in our community.

Since then, the King County Council has distributed more than 260 retired vans to various non-profit organizations. After eight years in the King County Fleet Division, the vans are retired and prepared for donation.

The donated van will be used primarily for the purposes of transporting students who are currently experiencing homelessness who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and in the Community Lab Program- which will transport students with special needs who work in local businesses to learn essential life skills.

The Auburn School District encompasses a 62-mile area and serves approximately 70,500 with three comprehensive high schools (grades 9-12), one alternative high school (grades 9-12), four middle schools (grades 6-8), and 14 elementary schools (grades K-5). The district’s mission is to provide a safe environment, where all students will achieve high standards of learning in order to become ethically responsible decision makers and lifelong learners.