First Student has been awarded a contract to provide school transportation for the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) in Texas.

This marks the first time the district has partnered with First Student for busing services. First Student plans to hire more than 350 employees, including drivers, bus monitors, mechanics and staff, to support LISD.

“At First Student, we strive to be the best start and finish to a student’s school day,” said Liz Sanchez, senior vice president at First Student. “We look forward to providing Lewisville students with safe and reliable transportation starting next school year and for many years to come.”

The agreement is for five years with an option to renew for an additional five years.

The contractor will provide LISD with 288 new buses. Each bus will be equipped with air conditioning and three security cameras.

First Student also will include additional safety features on the buses, such as the Child Check-Mate electronic reminder system, which is designed to ensure no child is left unattended on a bus. Each bus also will be equipped with a GPS system allowing staff to pinpoint the exact location and speed of each bus.
 
Meanwhile, First Student is honoring the hard work and dedication of its employees this week during Employee Appreciation Days.

Every day, more than 57,000 First Student drivers, monitors, technicians and staff strive to provide the best start and finish to the school day for millions of students, company officials said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to thank our team for all that they do,” said First Student President Dennis Maple. “First Student recognized years ago the importance of formally honoring and celebrating our employees. Their commitment to the services we provide in our communities is what makes First Student the trusted leader in student transportation.”

More than 200 members of the company’s regional and corporate teams will be visiting First Student locations across North America this week to personally thank employees for their commitment to caring for students. Employee Appreciation Day events will also include a celebratory breakfast or lunch at all First Student locations. The company has invited its school district partners to participate.

New this year, First Student will be posting photos of Employee Appreciation Days on its Instagram page.