NEW: First Student School Bus Service to Resume Monday

NEW: First Student School Bus Service to Resume Monday

First Student school bus service in Providence is set to resume on Monday, October 15, announced Mayor Jorge Elorza’s office on Sunday afternoon.

This announcement comes after First Student and Teamsters Local 251 reached a tentative agreement on Friday.

"We’ve reached a tentative contract agreement today with Teamsters Local 251 that reflects our joint commitment to providing Providence students and families with safe and reliable school bus transportation. First Student is appreciative of Mayor Elorza's and City Council President Salvatore's commitment to bringing both sides to a deal, and we are looking forward to welcoming our drivers back on Monday," said Frank McMahon, spokesman for Student First on Friday.

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As GoLocalProv reported, the details of the agreement are still being finalized.

Strike Ends

The strike which lasted for more than two weeks triggered legal action by three different groups against education officials for failing to provide required support to special needs children.

The ACLU of Rhode Island, along with two other civil rights organizations on Wednesday announced three separate legal steps with the R.I. Department of Education (RIDE) on behalf of students with disabilities who are caught up in the ongoing Providence school bus strike.

The complaints allege that the failure of the school district to honor its responsibility under the students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to provide transportation to and from school violates federal and state laws protecting the students’ rights.