Durham School Services has been awarded a contract to operate bus routes for Hardin County Schools in Savannah, Tenn.

The contract is scheduled to begin July 1 in preparation for the new school year.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Hardin County Schools,” Durham Region Manager Dave Brabender said. “Preparations are already underway to ensure a safe and smooth operation this fall.”

Durham’s agreement with the school district calls for 43 buses to serve seven schools. All Durham buses will be equipped with GPS technology to help improve communications, route efficiencies and fuel savings. In addition, the buses will feature video cameras.

“Forming a partnership with Durham enables our district to focus on education without compromising school bus safety and on-time performance,” Director of Schools John Thomas said. “We did our research and feel like Durham will be a great fit for us.”

Safety directors at Durham are all certified by the Institute for Safety and Health Management. Officials said Durham is the only national school bus operator in North America to have reached this level of safety certification.

“The safety of the students we transport is the most important thing we do,” Brabender 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.”

Other news related to Durham School Services:

• Durham awarded 3-year contract