Districts award First Student transportation contract enhancing driver wages and technology

The CSD99 School Board meeting held on May 19, 2025, focused on several key action items, primarily concerning transportation services and educational materials for the upcoming school year.

One of the main topics discussed was the approval of a transportation agreement with First Student, which has been in place for the past decade. Jareek, a representative involved in the contract negotiations, highlighted the collaborative effort among three school districts to secure competitive rates and maintain high-quality service. The agreement includes approximately 140 bus routes and 80 buses, emphasizing the complexity of the logistics involved. Notably, the districts have prioritized competitive wages and benefits for bus drivers, which has helped avoid driver shortages experienced by other districts.

The new contract also introduces an enhanced technology system aimed at improving route efficiency and student safety. This system will allow students to scan their IDs when boarding the bus, providing a record of who is on each bus daily. This initiative is particularly beneficial for elementary students, ensuring better accountability and route management.

In addition to transportation, the board addressed the selection of novels for the English department. The English teachers proposed a bid for new titles, with BookPal being recommended for their competitive pricing and reliable service. The process includes packaging the books for easy delivery to classrooms, which has been well-received in previous years.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the management of educational materials, where it was clarified that students typically keep the novels they read, allowing for personal interaction with the texts. However, there is no formal recycling system for these books once students complete their courses.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to maintaining efficient transportation services and enhancing educational resources for students, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.