First Student and Madison Metropolitan School District Partner to Bring Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Framework to Student Transportation

First Student introduces its award-winning behavioral framework to strengthen consistency, reduce incidents, and support student well-being from bus stop to classroom.

CINCINNATI, Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Student, the company setting the standard for innovation in school transportation, today announced a partnership with Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) to integrate Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework into its school transportation system. The program aims to create a safer, more positive school bus experience by reinforcing consistent behavior expectations for students throughout their day.

With support from First Serves, First Student's proprietary behavioral training and support program, Madison school administrators created a framework to reinforce positive student behavior on the bus. They defined three clear, student-friendly expectations: Safe Body, Kind Heart, Own Your Actions.

"At First Student, safety is more than a priority — it's a core value that guides every decision we make," said John Kenning, CEO at First Student. "By integrating the PBIS framework with Madison Metropolitan School District, we're taking a proactive step to support student well-being and create a more consistent and safer environment from bus stop to classroom. This is a tangible example of how we live our value of caring for students while advancing our mission of providing the best transportation experience, so every student arrives at school ready to learn and achieve their full potential."

PBIS was developed in partnership with national experts and leading children's hospitals to help transportation teams proactively manage student behavior, build stronger relationships with students and families, and contribute to safer driving conditions.

"Consistency is key when supporting student behavior and it starts with shared expectations across every part of a student's day," said Will McDermott, Head of Student Services at First Student. "Integrating PBIS framework into school transportation allows students to feel supported the moment they step on board and ensures drivers and attendants are working from the same foundation as teachers in the classroom."

"Our partnership has strengthened how we promote positive expectations for students," said Vanessa Cruz, Assistant Director of Transportation and Logistics at MMSD. "The program equips us with tools and guidance that foster collaboration and create safer rides to and from school. By having a consistent, districtwide system, students experience greater reliability and support, even as they move between schools."

Ahead of the new school year, First Student equipped every driver and attendant with specialized training to create a consistent, supportive experience for students from day one. The training gave staff practical tools to reinforce behavior standards in a positive, encouraging way. Schools across the district also received materials to align their student behavior training with the transportation framework.

"Our team's goal was to ensure there were clear, consistent and positive expectations for students, related to riding on the bus," said Emily Powers, Principal of Franklin Elementary School. "Our hope is that First Student staff will be able to partner with schools to support our students getting to and from school safely every day."

First Serves is a program that bridges the gap between transportation teams, educators, and families. Districts using First Serves have reported 27 percent, on average, reduction in behavioral incidents on school buses. The program provides practical strategies that help staff respond confidently to a wide range of student needs, including emotional, intellectual, or physical disabilities.

Recognized for its impact, First Serves has been invited to present at prestigious conferences such as the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) and the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE).

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience for 5.5 million students across North America every single day. As the undisputed leader in K-12 transportation, the company is on pace to complete 1 billion student rides during the 2025-26 school year, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of ~46,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education. Recently named one of Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student's impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

Contact
Brenna Rudisill
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SOURCE First Student