GARDNER, Kan. — First Student’s location here recently achieved a perfect score on its transportation safety review by the Kansas State Department of Education.

This is the third consecutive year the location, which provides student transportation to the Gardner Edgerton School District, has received this distinction, according to First Student.

The review aims to ensure school buses are operating safely in the state. Nearly 230,000 students in Kansas ride school buses every day. As part of the review, the state conducts fleet inspections, analyzes maintenance records, and examines driver data. The review is performed over the course of the school year.

“There is nothing more important than the safety of the students we transport,” said First Student Area General Manager John Billigmeier. “Achieving a perfect score on the transportation safety review demonstrates our commitment to setting the highest standards. We are proud to provide a safe, secure way to school through our people, technologies, and best practices.”

First Student has partnered with the school district to provide transportation solutions for more than 15 years. The location operates, maintains, and manages a fleet of more than 70 buses. Earlier this year, the district decided to extend its contract with First Student through the 2020-21 school year.