CINCINNATI — On July 1, First Student will begin serving Valley View Local Schools under a 10-year contract.

Under the agreement, First Student will operate, maintain and manage all of the Germantown, Ohio-based district’s student transportation services.

First Student will install additional safety features on the district's school buses, including GPS, onboard digital video cameras and Child Check-Mate electronic reminder systems.

Officials said First Student is currently interviewing district drivers to join its transportation team.

In other news, First Student President Linda Burtwistle was recognized last week during the 2013 Ohio Women’s Conference Award Luncheon at the University of Cincinnati. She received the 2013 Ohio Glass Ceiling Award from the National Diversity Council.

Officials said the award honors women in leadership positions who have not only achieved personal and professional success, but are making it possible for others to follow in their footsteps.

As president of First Student, Burtwistle oversees the operation of more than 54,000 yellow school buses across North America.

“I am pleased to accept this honor from the National Diversity Council,” Burtwistle said. “At First Student, we recognize the importance of creating an environment of inclusion where employees are valued for their talents and empowered to reach their full potential.”