Bus service for more than 5,200 Princeton City Schools students could stop Thursday morning after contract talks between First Student and the drivers' union stalled.

The Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 184), which represents First Student drivers, announced Wednesday, Sept. 30, that a final bargaining session Tuesday night ended without a deal. The contract's no-strike clause expires at midnight Wednesday, WLWT first reported.

The stoppage would hit families across Sharonville, Woodlawn, Springdale, Evendale, Glendale and Lincoln Heights who rely on First Student buses for public and non-public school routes.

What families need to know

Schools will stay open. Superintendent Dr. Mari Phillips said the district is not a party to the labor talks but is preparing for a disruption starting as early as Thursday, Oct. 1.

"We know reliable transportation is essential for many of our families. With 5,200+ bus riders daily, we understand the significant inconvenience and challenges a work stoppage could create …" Phillips said.

Students who cannot get to school will have access to at-home learning options. The district said families will not be penalized for transportation-related absences or tardiness on Oct. 1 or Oct. 2, according to Local 12/WKRC. Principals will send details on learning plans, adjusted traffic patterns and drop-off safety measures.

Families who can drive their children to school are encouraged to do so, the district said in a Sept. 24 letter warning of a possible work stoppage.

Where talks stand

The gap between the two sides is significant. The union is seeking raises of $3 per hour in the first year and $2 per hour in each of the next two years, plus a 5.5-hour daily route guarantee and extra pay for covering open routes, Fox 19 reported. First Student countered with $2, $1 and $1 over three years and rejected the union's proposed contract language, according to the union.

The union said in a statement that many drivers earn so little they qualify for Medicaid. OAPSE said it is willing to return to the table at any time.

First Student said in a statement that it presented a "strong proposal" with raises above the industry average and had not received a counterproposal. The company said it was scheduled to meet the union again at 5 p.m. Wednesday but that union leaders had not confirmed they would attend.

What's still unknown

Whether the 5 p.m. session produced a last-minute deal was not confirmed as of Wednesday evening. The district's guidance covers only Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. No information is available on what happens if the strike extends beyond that window.

Phillips is asking families to check the district's website and monitor email and text messages for updates.