Amid rising transportation costs, Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education approved a one-year transportation contract addendum on May 26, extending the district’s agreement with Kickert School Bus/First Student for the 2026-27 academic year.
According to district documents, the extension includes a 10% increase over current transportation rates and is expected to raise the district’s transportation costs by approximately $138,257 next fiscal year, bringing the annual total to about $1.52 million based on 15 buses.
District officials said the extension follows the acquisition of Cook-Illinois, Kickert’s parent company, by First Student. The district plans to seek competitive bids for transportation services during the 2026-27 school year for the following year’s contract.
Under the approved pricing proposal, the daily rate for single and paired route buses will increase from $402.64 to $442.90, while special education transportation with an attendant will rise from $523.78 to $576.16. Shuttle rates for activities such as band and tutoring will increase from $79.30 to $87.23.
In a letter to the district dated April 30, Kickert/First Student attributed the increase to rising labor, insurance and vehicle costs.
The company said it expects wage increases of 5.5% to 6.5% for drivers and mechanics and 4.5% to 5.5% for paraprofessionals in order to remain competitive in hiring and retaining employees. Officials also cited rising insurance premiums and continued increases in bus prices, noting new buses increased in cost by 12% in 2024 and 15% in 2025.
The company additionally pointed to staffing and operational challenges associated with Illinois’ Paid Leave Act, saying driver absenteeism has increased and forced the company to hire more substitute drivers.
District administrators recommended approval of the extension, writing in board documents that transportation service has “improved dramatically” over the past two school years. Officials said buses generally have operated on time, routes have been adequately staffed and major bus breakdowns have not been a significant issue.
The district also said Kickert/First Student has adequately handled transportation for students requiring wheelchair lift access, as well as athletic and field trip transportation.
