OMAHA, Neb. — Student Transportation of America (STA) has been awarded an early extension of its contract with two Omaha-area school districts, and the manager of that contract will now take on broader responsibility.

In December 2012, STA won a contract with the Metropolitan Omaha Education Consortium Interlocal Transportation Association. The four-year pact, which began in August 2013, called for 530 vehicles — including more than 400 new propane buses — to transport students for Omaha Public Schools and Millard Public Schools. The contract is the largest in STA’s history.

The newly secured extension adds two years to the contract, taking it through July 2019. According to STA, the early extension of the contract was viewed by many as a testament to the capabilities and industry knowledge of David Prince, general manager of the Omaha operation.

Accordingly, STA has now promoted Prince to vice president of operations for the company’s centrally located states. He will oversee all of STA’s current operations in Nebraska and Missouri and will be responsible for growing business in those states and seeking new opportunities in Iowa and Kansas.

“Mr. Prince has demonstrated a consistent ability to build strong and lasting customer relationships, manage the financial aspects of STA’s businesses, and improve the overall conditions and efficiencies of the company’s transportation operations,” STA said in a press release. “Mr. Prince also has a keen ability for developing bus drivers and staff, and has been a driving force in challenging employees to find new and innovative ways to improve the safety performance of their operations."

Prince joined STA in March 2013 to oversee the Omaha contract.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the extension of our largest contract, which also happens to be the largest all-propane fleet of school vehicles in the industry,” Prince said. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our Omaha and Millard customers, the commitment of our drivers, staff, and the local management teams at all three of our Omaha terminals.”