The Bethlehem Area School District Board of School Directors has approved a new transportation contract agreement with Teamsters Local No. 773, officially concluding the collective bargaining process.

The agreement received final approval at the Board’s Oct. 19 meeting after BASD transportation employees voted to ratify the proposed contract during an extended reconsideration period.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement and grateful to our transportation employees for the important role they play in our school community,” said Superintendent Dr. Renato M. Lajara. “We appreciate everyone’s efforts throughout this process and look forward to continuing to work together to provide safe, reliable transportation for our students.”

District officials thanked transportation employees and all participants in the negotiations for their commitment to serving BASD students and families.

The Bethlehem Area School District serves more than 12,000 students in 22 schools across Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hanover Township, Freemansburg and Fountain Hill.