HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Central Dauphin School District and the Central Dauphin School Bus Drivers' Association (CDBDA) have entered into an agreement that provides wages and benefits to the bus drivers, and brings to an end all of the litigation between the association and the district relating to the outsourcing of transportation services to Durham School Services.

"We have chosen cooperation over confrontation in an attempt to resolve this dispute amicably," said Eric Epstein, the drivers' business agent. "Students and parents can expect to see the same safe and reliable drivers behind the wheel this school year."

As part of the agreement, the bus drivers agreed to drop all legal challenges to the district's outsourcing of transportation to Durham School Services. The drivers also signed a "Spruce-Up" agreement with Durham.

Under the terms of the agreement, the district will pay drivers' healthcare until Oct. 31, when benefits will be covered by Durham. Healthcare costs will be covered by the district through COBRA payments until June 30, 2011. Drivers will have the option to use COBRA for an additional 10 months after this period.

In addition, Durham will waive the 90-day probationary period, making drivers immediately eligible for holiday pay. Drivers will preserve their seniority and raises effective on July 1 will remain in place. Durham will also provide a wage increase for the 2011-12 school year.