Bus drivers employed by First Student and represented by the Ohio Association of Public School Employees are poised to strike after a final round of contract talks ended without an agreement on Tuesday. The existing contract expires Wednesday night, leaving drivers in the Princeton City School District and several surrounding non‑public schools – including those in Sharonville, Glendale, Lincoln Heights, Woodlawn and Springdale – without a new deal.
Union says pay is too low to cover basic health care
The union’s statement highlighted that many drivers earn wages so low they qualify for Medicaid, describing them as “the working poor of the communities they serve.” It added that these drivers are the familiar faces who wave to children at bus stops each morning and afternoon, yet they return home to a paycheck that does not cover essential health care.
District response and contingency plans
Princeton City School District Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips emphasized that the district is not a party to the contract negotiations, but it must prepare for the impact on students. “While we hope the parties are able to reach an agreement, the district must be prepared for the possibility of a disruption to transportation services,” Dr. Phillips said. “We are preparing for a stoppage anytime after September 30.”
The district will remain open during any strike. Families whose children cannot get to school because of transportation issues will be offered at‑home learning options. “We know reliable transportation is essential for many of our families. With 5,200+ bus riders daily, we understand the significant inconvenience and challenges a work stoppage could create,” Dr. Phillips explained. “Our goal is to provide families with as much advance notice and flexibility as possible while maintaining continuity of learning for our students.”
How parents can stay informed
Parents are urged to monitor the Princeton City School District’s website, social media channels, email alerts and text messages for the latest updates. The district will post any changes to bus routes, pick‑up times or alternative learning plans as soon as they become available.
First Student has not commented
WLWT reached out to First Student for comment on the potential strike but has not received a response at the time of publication.
What a strike could mean for the community
A work stoppage would affect not only students but also the broader community that relies on school buses for safe, reliable transportation. Local businesses that depend on student foot traffic may see reduced activity, and parents who work outside the home could face additional childcare challenges. The district’s at‑home learning plan aims to mitigate these effects, but the union’s concerns about low wages and inadequate health benefits remain unresolved.
Both the union and the district have expressed a willingness to return to the negotiating table. The union said it is “ready to return to the table at any time,” signaling that a resolution remains possible if both sides can find common ground on compensation and benefits.
Looking ahead
As the contract deadline approaches, the focus will be on whether the parties can bridge their differences before the strike begins. For now, Princeton families should stay alert, keep communication lines open with the district, and prepare for the possibility of at‑home learning if transportation services are interrupted.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
