First Student wins 2 Mich. contracts

CINCINNATI — First Student Inc. has won two new contracts to serve school districts in Michigan.

Under a three-year agreement with Flint (Mich.) Community Schools, the contractor will add 45 new buses to the district’s fleet. Buses will continue to operate from the school district’s transportation facility, and First Student expects to retain more than 90% of the existing work force.

“We look forward to working with Flint Community Schools,” said Doug Meek, First Student area manager. “We are dedicated to providing safe transportation as well as outstanding service to the students, parents and school district.”

The buses will be equipped with safety features such as GPS, the Child Check-Mate electronic reminder system, and crossing gates.

In addition, First Student will provide $15,000 in annual scholarships to graduating seniors selected by the school district.

The contract with Flint Community Schools begins in September.

First Student’s five-year contract with Saginaw (Mich.) Public Schools will also begin in September.

The company will add 20 new buses over the contract term, and all buses will feature GPS, an electronic child reminder system and crossing gates.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve Saginaw Public Schools,” said Roger Moore, First Student senior vice president, Great Lakes region. “We look forward to providing safe and reliable transportation to students and their parents, so the district can focus its resources solely on education.”

First Student will also provide $10,000 in annual scholarships to graduating seniors as part of “Saginaw Promise,” the school district’s strategic plan to prepare students for college.

In other news, First Student parent company FirstGroup America (FGA) recently welcomed a delegation from the Arab state Oman to its corporate headquarters as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program.

The five-member delegation and FGA officials discussed best practices, including road safety, management and hiring.

“As an industry leader in transportation, we were honored to share our insight with the delegation from Oman,” said Jeff Brooks, head of safety services for FGA. “Our company has been a pioneer when it comes to developing, designing, and implementing safety training and technology.”

Officials said the visit was arranged by the Greater Cincinnati World Affairs Council under the sponsorship of the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

ECA aims to promote international understanding through academic, cultural, professional and sports exchange programs.