For the first time in the district's history, the Duquesne City School District will provide bus transportation to all students who live beyond a one-half mile circumference of the Duquesne Education Center.

At its meeting Tuesday night, the state board of control overseeing the Duquesne district approved a five-year contract with Pennsylvania Coach Lines at a cost of $550,000 for the first year. The contract will cover busing for 214 students who attend class within the district and 213 students who live within the district but attend private or other schools.

"Our goal is to eliminate all possible barriers that would interfere with a student's opportunity to succeed," said board of control Chairwoman Audrey Utley, in a press release.

Last year daily attendance in the district was 93 percent. Linda Hippert, executive director of the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, which oversees the Duquesne district, said she believes the busing will help to improve attendance. Students who are bused will arrive in time to participate in the school breakfast program.

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