Transportation company First Student is laying off 253 workers, including 80 in Hempfield, after Hempfield Area and Allentown school districts chose different bus transportation providers for the 2024-25 school year.
The company posted an alert on the state WARN layoff alert site indicating it would close two facilities, one at 1812 S. 12th St. in Allentown, Lehigh County, and the other at 3740 State Route 136 in Hempfield. The closure is effective June 30.
A spokesperson for the company said the layoff was based on the districts selecting new transportation providers.
“First Student has been proud (to) serve the communities for years. While disappointed, our goal is to ensure a smooth transition for the districts, and we remain focused on delivering safe transportation through the remainder of the school year,” said Jen Biddinger, First Student spokesperson.
The company wants to retain as many employees as possible, she said, and is helping them find employment at other company locations in the area.
Hempfield Area board members voted Feb. 12 to award the low bid for student transportation starting in fall 2024 to DMJ Transportation Inc., following a request for proposals ahead of the end of First Student’s contract.
District officials said at the time that it was the natural time for the contract to run out, and that the decision was made based on the bids for service.
According to its website, DMJ employs 255 people with bus terminals in Mt. Pleasant, Greensburg, Latrobe and Norvelt.
