Note: This video is from August 2024.
ST. LOUIS – Following recent troubles of student transportation within the Saint Louis Public School District, it was announced Monday morning that the district is separating from its current transportation company, resulting in the loss of over 200 employees.
A WARN Notice stated that SLPS’ contract with First Student will end on June 30, which is the anticipated final day of the administrative school year. A reason for not renewing the contract was not mentioned, but the news was noted as a “sudden, unforeseen business circumstance.”
This decision impacts 218 employees within the transportation department, which include:
- 137 drivers
- 70 monitors
- Six full-time administrative staff
- Five mechanics/technicians
These layoffs are “expected to be permanent.” First Student may be able to transfer employees to other locations, the release added.
More recently, the district’s school board approved a new transportation partner, Zum Services Inc., back in February. According to prior reports, the buses will include several features, including real-time tracking for families.
The news comes at a time when SLPS has had ongoing struggles and challenges for transportation, which resulted in students having to turn to utilizing Metro services and the district offering gas cards.
FOX 2 reached out to Saint Louis Public Schools for comment but have not received an immediate response.