Inside the Contracting Shift: What School Transportation Operators Are Seeing Now
Durham School Services Adds New District Contracts Across Five States
The latest contract awards and renewals will bring the company's transportation services to more students while extending several long-standing district relationships.

Across the new and renewed contracts, Durham highlighted its investment in technologies including GPS fleet management, AI-enabled dash cameras, and more.
Durham School Services
Durham School Services has continued to expand its student transportation footprint this year, announcing multiple new district partnerships and long-term contract renewals across the country.
Among the company's newest contracts is a three-year agreement with Lawrence Public Schools in Kansas, under which Durham will provide transportation through 2029. The company will operate 74 regular, special education, and summer routes with a fleet of 90 buses equipped with GPS tracking, AI-enabled dash cameras, and parent-facing bus tracking technology.
Lawrence Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeanice Kerr Swift said the district is confident the partnership will strengthen student transportation.
"Together, we will focus on the priorities of student safety, customer service, and timely communication while also achieving systems efficiencies to improve the overall experience for students and families," Swift said.

The company noted that its recent tech advancements will help improve safety, operational efficiency, and visibility for families.
Durham School Services
In California, Durham secured two new partnerships. The company will return as the transportation provider for Alhambra Unified School District under a five-year contract through 2031, operating 30 special education routes with 32 buses. Durham was also selected by the Val Verde Unified School District, where it will provide 50 special education routes using a fleet of 60 buses.
Commenting on the Alhambra contract, Durham CEO Tim Wertner said, "We can't wait to meet all the families we'll be serving and start this exciting new journey with the Alhambra Unified School District – safely and reliably."
Meanwhile, Val Verde Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Garrick Owen said the district selected Durham because of its focus on student well-being.
"Student safety is at the heart of everything we do, and Durham has demonstrated the same dedication to the care and well-being of the children we serve," Owen said.
Durham also expanded its presence in Illinois, where Community Consolidated School District 59 selected the company as its new transportation provider through July 2029. Durham will operate 74 regular, special education, and summer routes with 86 buses.
The district’s Superintendent, Dr. Brett Gallini, said the district expects the partnership to provide "safe, reliable, and on-time transportation service for our students and families, supported by clear and consistent communication."
Durham’s Recently Renewed Contracts
In addition to winning new business, Durham renewed several longstanding partnerships.
Pleasant Valley Community School District in Iowa extended its relationship with Durham for another five years through 2031, continuing a partnership that began 19 years ago. Superintendent Brian Strusz said the renewal reflects years of collaboration between the district and the transportation provider.
"We look forward to continuing the partnership with Durham, a relationship built on open communication, strong collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for our students," Strusz said.
In New York, the Marlboro Central School District awarded Durham a new five-year agreement through 2031. The contract transitions service from Durham's sister company, Quality Bus, while retaining the existing local management team and employees.
Across the new and renewed contracts, Durham highlighted its investment in technologies including GPS fleet management, AI-enabled dash cameras, onboard video systems, and parent communication platforms designed to improve safety, operational efficiency, and visibility for families.
The announcements continue Durham School Services' recent growth strategy, expanding its presence in several key markets while reinforcing long-term relationships with existing district partners.
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