Bus company ending St. Louis Public Schools contract early over noose controversy

Missouri Central School Bus Co. is prematurely terminating its relationship with St. Louis Public Schools as tensions flare over a noose found near a Black mechanic's workstation.

Missouri Central's contract with the school district, which includes about 19,600 students, was supposed to run through the 2024-25 school year, but the company had an opt-out clause. Bus service will end effective June 30, after the end of the current school year.

Scott Allen, regional operations manager for Missouri Central, said in a statement that in December, the company asked the district for additional money "to address unprecedented industry inflation and a nationwide school bus driver shortage." A statement from the district says the company sought an extra $2 million.