Durham School Services has been awarded a three-year contract to operate bus routes for Kenowa Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, Mich.

The contract begins Sept. 1 with the new school year.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Kenowa Hills schools,” Durham Region Manager Brad Tate said. “Preparations are already underway to ensure a safe and smooth operation this fall.”

Durham’s agreement with Kenowa Hills is the company’s first contract in western Michigan. Durham will use 34 buses to serve six schools and more than 2,400 student riders, with a plan to replace a significant portion of the fleet over time.

The buses will be equipped with GPS technology to improve communications, route efficiencies and fuel savings. It is estimated that the school district will save at least $500,000 over three years by outsourcing student transportation to Durham, officials said.

“Our contract with Durham allows us to focus on classroom education without compromising school bus safety and on-time performance,” said Tamera Powers, director of finance for Kenowa Hills. “We’re impressed with Durham’s track record and appreciate their commitment to our students.”

Safety directors at Durham are all certified by the Institute for Safety and Health Management, as SBFpreviously reported.

“The safety of the students we transport is the most important thing we do,” Tate said. “Our focus is to get students to school safely, on time and ready to learn, and back home to their families every day. That’s what we’re all about.”