Seattle Public Schools intends to award its transportation service contract to two companies for the 2022-2023 school year, First Student and. Both companies will receive at least 40% of the overall commission, according to an internal memo between the current contractor, First Student, and SPS.
First Student disputes those claims made by Zum, citing a “misunderstanding of procurement guidelines and the discretion afforded SPS.” SPS could not be reached for comment on either allegation. “We are pleased to see the district move toward awarding a substantial portion of the contract to Zum, introducing a safe, trustworthy, student-centered partner to thousands more Seattle families … We are excited to expand that service and begin transforming student transportation for every Seattle school community we are tasked to serve,” a spokesperson for Zum wrote to MyNorthwest.