Missouri Central School Bus Co. Ends Contract with St. Louis Public Schools Amid Turmoil

The termination follows a contentious period involving a noose incident, driver walkouts, and failed contract negotiations.

Missouri Central School Bus Co. will end its contract with St. Louis Public Schools early, affecting 332 jobs and about 19,600 students.
The decision comes after a noose was discovered at a mechanic's workstation, leading to driver walkouts and calls for a hate crime investigation.
The company cited irreparable harm to its reputation from racism allegations and failed negotiations for additional funding as reasons for the termination.
St. Louis Public Schools will seek a new vendor for bus services, hoping many Missouri Central drivers will be rehired.
Missouri Central's failure to meet staffing and timeliness goals for three consecutive semesters was also a factor in the contract's termination.