Amsterdam schools select First Student for transportation services
AMSTERDAM, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Greater Amsterdam School District (GASD) has announced they will be partnering with First Student for transportation services, pending Board of Education approval. According to the district, this collaboration would improve safety, efficiency and introduce new technology for students and parents.
On February 4, the district announced the current transportation company, Brown Transportation, would no longer be providing its services after the 2024-2025 school year. According to the district, the change happened nearly 50 years after the two first got into contract.
GASD did not respond to NEWS10's request about the transportation contract on Tuesday but announced the new partnership two days later.
"We are excited about the potential to bring these advancements to our transportation services," said Superintendent Richard Ruberti. "With First Student’s commitment to safety, technology, and driver support, we believe these improvements would greatly benefit our students, families, and school community."
According to the district, First Student has agreed to implement new security measures including an improved video system, a child check-mate system, a theft-mate security system and a driver scoring system. They have also reportedly offered employment opportunities to all the current drivers and monitors and enhanced technology communication for the district and the parents.
If approved, new communication methods will also be available. Parents and students will be able to track school buses, administrators will be able to access transportation data, drivers will be able to submit pre and post trip inspections and a new behavior reporting system would help resolve any student behavior concerns on buses.
Ruberti said to increase transparency within the community, a new web-based feedback portal will also allow parents to submit suggestions, complaints and concerns and compliments about the transportation services. The board is expected to vote on the new transportation service at the next school board meeting on February 12.