Fresno Unified school bus drivers, who have feared job loss for months, will finally get answers during an upcoming trustees meeting on Wednesday, April 23.

The board agenda includes a contract with a new special education transportation service, Zūm Services Inc.

Currently, the district contracts First Student Inc., which employs 250 drivers and operates buses for special ed students.

Fresno Unified contracted First Student in 2016 and later extended the contract in 2021 to last until 2026.

For months, First Student bus drivers have addressed the school board, seeking support and job protection. Drivers also feared how this change might affect students.

Zūm will offer employment to all drivers in good standing and “retain their seniority and receive competitive wages along with a five-hour daily work guarantee” Fresno Unified Board Communication documents show.

Zūm engaged with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 to negotiate the agreement.

The district advertised a request for bus service proposals in November and early December.

A panel comprised from the Fresno Unified Transportation Department and Special Education Department evaluated the proposals.

The panel recommended Zūm, which is based in Redwood City.

The contract would begin Aug. 1, 2026, and cover five years with an option to renew for another five years.

The estimated annual cost is $16.7 million, according to the board agenda.

Related Story: 250 Fresno Unified Bus Driver Jobs at Risk, Teachers Fear 12% Pay Cuts

More About Zūm Bus Services

Zūm is a woman-led company serving more than 4,000 schools with an .001% accident rate and no bus driver shortages.

The service provides door-to-door transportation in modern air-conditioned buses with advanced safety features.

Additionally, Zūm has a parent and administrator app, designed to enhance communication.

The app allows users to monitor routes, receive notice of delays or changes, and ensure transparency in operations.

“I have closely worked with the Zūm team over the last five years and have observed first-hand the benefit of their robust operations, technology-enabled transparency and data driven reporting. This is the new era of student transportation,” said Kim Raney, executive director of transportation for Oakland Unified School District.

Allegations Against First Student

In December, SEIU held a protest, in which allegations of wage theft and sexual harassment were brought against First Student.

Union spokesperson Victor Gamiz previously told GV Wire that the wage theft allegations include requirements to clock out when completing paperwork and cleaning buses.

Monica Apodaca, a bus driver, publicly said she was sexually harassed, then demoted, and given a negative evaluation when she complained.

“Our own safety is not a priority for First Student management,” Apodaca said, during the protest. “Management of First Student needs to listen to our concerns and take them seriously.”

Community leaders, including trustee Veva Islas and Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell, spoke at the protest.

Related Story: Bus Drivers Accuse Fresno Unified Special Needs Contractor of Sexual ...