The Kansas City School District is ending a 10-year relationship with its school bus contractor.
The board of education voted six to one Wednesday night in favor of a contract with Student Transportation of America, instead of renewing an agreement with First Student.
First Student has sued the school district to stop the contract awarding process, arguing in recent weeks that the KCPS contract bidding process has been conducted unfairly.
Some First Student bus drivers protested at the board meeting.
"We're the best company," said one First Student employee. "We have the best trainers, the best training, we're very professional."
"We've maintained a 97 percent on-time performance," said a First Student worker.
School board members said they liked STA's technological advantages, including wireless service, state-of-the-art audio and video on buses, and a school bus app for parents.