YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – During a special meeting Thursday, the Youngstown City School District Board of Education approved a partnership with Petermann Bus for student transportation services starting in the 2026-27 school year.
The decision followed a request for proposals process to evaluate student transportation services. The review reinforced YCSD’s commitment to effective operations and cost efficiency, while ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students, a news release states.
“Petermann’s proposal was financially competitive and delivered significant value to the district through its transportation experience, operational support, technology and maintenance,” YCSD Treasurer Michael Rock said.
Petermann Bus partners with more than 30 schools across Ohio.
“This recommendation will help ensure that every student transported by the district has access to reliable and timely transportation to and from school,” YCSD Superintendent Jeremy Batchelor said. “School districts across Ohio and across the country continue to face transportation challenges, and this is the right time to strengthen the services of YCSD. We are confident that this partnership will strengthen reliability and better serve our students and families.”
Under the proposed partnership, Petermann will support the district’s transportation services, including daily home-to-school; special education; McKinney-Vento; charter and nonpublic, as required by law; preschool; midday routes; field trips; and athletic events.
High school transportation will be a key focus during the transition. The school district has asked Petermann to review transportation options for high school students, such as route design, hub stop locations, eligibility, schedules and staffing. The final transportation model will be determined after further evaluation, the release states. The school district expects to offer at least targeted transportation for eligible students at the Youngstown High School campus for the 2026-27 school year, while continuing to assess the possibility of restoring full high school transportation services.
The school district acknowledged the dedication of current transportation employees, and Petermann intends to offer positions to current staff, the release states. Employees will still be able to maintain membership in the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio.
“This is not just a vendor change; it is a partnership,” said Nancy Mikos, YCSD business manager. “One important factor was finding a company that understands school transportation, accepts operational ownership of the daily program and can offer expertise, systems and support in a complex transportation environment.”