Montgomery School Board Reaches Tentative Five-Year Deal with Transportation Union

Headline News Montgomery Staff

Montgomery Township Board of Education President Patrick Todd announced this week that the district has reached a tentative five-year contract agreement with the Wheels of Change – Montgomery Safe Passage Association, the union representing the school district’s bus drivers, bus aides, and dispatchers.

Todd shared the news during the December 16th Board of Education meeting, calling the agreement an important step forward for the district and its transportation staff.

“The board is proud to announce that we have reached a tentative five-year agreement with the Wheels of Change, which represents the bus drivers, the bus aides, and the dispatchers,” Todd said. “More details are to follow. We’re just working out some of the language.”

Specific terms of the agreement were not immediately disclosed, as both sides finalize contract language. Once completed, the full details are expected to be shared publicly in accordance with district procedures.

Acknowledging the union and negotiation teams
Todd took time during his remarks to publicly recognize those involved in the negotiations, praising both the union leadership and the district’s bargaining team for a constructive process.

He offered a “shout out and thank you” to the new union president, Mr. Mistretta, of the Wheels of Change – Montgomery Safe Passage Association, inviting him to take a bow during the meeting. Todd also acknowledged Cathy Franzoso negotiating committee member, noting, “we appreciate it.”

On the district’s side, Todd thanked Board members Vanita Nargund and Michelle Dowling, who served on the Board’s negotiations committee, as well as the Board’s attorney, Vic Lapira, for their work in helping bring the talks to a successful conclusion. “Great job, and it was a great process and we certainly appreciate it,” Todd said of the negotiations team.

Importance of transportation staff
The tentative agreement affects the employees who are responsible for safely transporting thousands of Montgomery students to and from school and activities each day.

Bus drivers, aides, and dispatchers are often the first and last district staff members that students see on a school day. District officials have frequently emphasized that reliable, consistent transportation service is a critical part of overall school operations and family routines.

While the Board has not yet detailed the contract’s provisions, agreements of this kind typically address issues such as wages, benefits, hours, working conditions, and other terms of employment that can impact recruitment and retention of transportation staff.

For parents and guardians, the announcement signals continued stability in student transportation services, an area that has faced staffing and logistical challenges in many school systems in recent years.

Next steps
As with any tentative labor agreement, the contract will undergo final review and the completion of formal language before it is fully adopted. Wheels of Change will hold a ratification vote by union membership followed by official approval by the Board of Education at a public meeting.

Todd indicated that additional information will be shared once the legal language is finalized, and that the Board intends to be transparent with the community about the agreement once that process is complete.

For now, district leaders are framing the tentative deal as a positive development and a reflection of productive collaboration between the Board and its transportation staff.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com