Buses change hands: First Student replaces Dattco in a five-year deal shared with Lincoln

What happened

On May 7, 2026 the committee voted 5-0 to award transportation services to First Student, after Dattco's demand that the district back its pension agreement with the drivers' union ended talks on a 10.5 percent extension. Smithfield bid jointly with Lincoln Public Schools; Dattco bid for Lincoln but not for Smithfield. The chosen proposal was about $188,000 less than Dattco's, and the facilities director said a unified contract could save more than a million dollars over five years. Drivers, monitors and parents spoke against the change at two meetings; a memorandum of agreement with Lincoln and the contract itself were approved in June.

Why it matters to families

The people driving children to school and the routes they run are changing hands. Drivers said many were not moving to the new company, so most bus staff next year may be new to Smithfield families.

The evidence

The May 7, 2026 approved minutes record the 5-0 award to First Student, the $188,000 difference and the projected savings; the June 4, 2026 minutes set out the timeline including Dattco's pension demand and the joint bid with Lincoln, and record the memorandum of agreement being approved 5-0.

The source