Spring‑Ford board approves switch to First Student; administrators say move saves about $1.7 million and preserves jobs

On March 23, 2026, the Spring‑Ford Area School District Board of School Directors voted 9–0 to approve a recommendation to change the district's student-transportation provider to First Student, a move administrators said will save about $1.7 million over the seven-year term compared with other proposals and will preserve roles for incumbent staff.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Scanland told the board the district solicited proposals and received four responses; after follow-up the district recommended First Student because its seven‑year total was approximately $1.7 million lower than the next proposals. He said First Student will offer positions to all current drivers and monitors, honor existing seniority and guarantee a minimum of five hours of work per day for drivers and monitors who are in good standing.

Kathy Tumulty, a 29‑year member of the Spring‑Ford community and a district bus driver, criticized the timing and tone of the district’s public notice about the provider change. "I was deeply disappointed by the manner in which this information was shared with the Spring‑Ford community," Tumulty said, saying the announcement went out before Kuster's Garage owner Warren Ley Jr. had a chance to speak with his more than 160 employees.

Dr. Scanland and board members responded to those concerns by emphasizing contract terms intended to protect incumbent workers. The administration said all incumbent CDL drivers with two or more years’ experience would begin the 2026–27 school year at $31 per hour, non‑CDL van drivers at $21 per hour, monitors at $17.50 per hour, and that drivers would receive a $1,500 sign‑on bonus while monitors would receive $500. The administration also said First Student proposed equipment upgrades, including GPS tracking systems and other updated bus equipment.

Board discussion focused both on the contract terms and on community communication. The board president and several members thanked the administration for proactive outreach and reiterated that final contract language is subject to review and approval by the administration and the solicitor’s office before execution. The motion to approve the recommendation passed by voice vote with all directors recording "I" (recorded as 9–0).

Next steps: the board's approval authorized the administration to finalize contract language and return to the district for final execution; the administration said implementation cannot begin until that final review and approval is complete.