First Student has reached a tentative contract agreement with ATU Local 618. The union represents school bus drivers and aides in Warwick and Jamestown.

In a statement released Wednesday morning, Warwick School Superintendent Lynn Dambruch said she is pleased an agreement is pending and that “ensuring the safety and well-being of our students during transportation is our top priority.” The department had been closely monitoring contract negotiations and threats of a strike.

Under an $8.2 million contract, First Student provides service to 5,000 Warwick students over approximately 350 routes. The company operates a total of 102 vehicles in the city including large and small buses plus five vans.

The tentative agreement is contingent on a ratification vote by ATU 618 membership.

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our employees,” said Frank McMahon, spokesperson for First Student, in a release. “We look forward to a successful ratification vote on Thursday. We want to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our school bus drivers and monitors for their continued commitment to serve families in Warwick and Jamestown during this time.”

The new contract includes significant increases in wages, improved healthcare benefits, and enhanced retirement contributions, underscoring First Student’s commitment to supporting employees while maintaining reliable and safe transportation services for the communities it serves, said McMahon.