Freeport (Ill.) School District (FSD) #145 was selected from a national pool of grant applicants to receive a customized electronic inspection, tracking and management system for its entire bus fleet from Seattle-based Zonar Systems.

The grant, awarded at the National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) conference in Louisville, Ky., comprises more than $60,000-worth of Zonar equipment.

Dallas Rackow, FSD's director of transportation, said that Zonar Systems' equipment and guidance "will mean a complete transformation of the Freeport School District's transportation department." She expects enhanced student safety and operational cost-savings will be direct results of implementing the system.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to acquire what, in our industry, already is recognized as equipment with a track record of saving dollars and much more by improving safety, security and overall efficiency of school bus operations," NAPT Executive Director Mike Martin said.

Don Carnahan, vice president of business development for Zonar Systems, said that the company "appreciates the benefits professional associations provide to their members for program improvement, personal and professional growth. This grant is an effort to make NAPT membership have more value, and it is placing the resources in the hands of the right people who will do the most with the equipment."