Shawnee Mission School District Partners with Zum, Expanding Service to 15 States

We are excited to announce that Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) has selected Zūm to modernize district-wide transportation services beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. With this 7-year contract, Kansas becomes Zum’s 15th state, marking a major milestone in our national expansion and growing momentum across the country.

Following a rigorous procurement process, SMSD selected Zum to replace legacy operating models with a modern, technology-led transportation experience. By embracing innovation, the district is creating a safer, more reliable, and more predictable service that gives parents peace of mind and helps students arrive ready to learn.

“We treat student transportation as an extension of the classroom here in Shawnee Mission School District. It is a foundational component of educational access,” said Dr. David Stubblefield, Deputy Superintendent at Shawnee Mission School District. “Zum’s mission goes beyond simply moving students from Point A to Point B, and their commitment to keeping students at the center of their service aligns seamlessly with Shawnee Mission’s guiding theme. 

This is the modern, safe, and transparent experience our community deserves.”

“For decades, student transportation has relied on systems that were never designed for the expectations of today’s families,” said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zum. “We built Zum to reimagine what’s possible by combining technology, operational excellence, and a relentless focus on safety. With Shawnee Mission joining us, Kansas becomes our 15th state, underscoring the growing demand from districts nationwide for a better, more modern transportation model.”

Through Zum, Shawnee Mission School District will experience:

• Modern, transparent technology for families and districts: Real-time bus tracking, proactive notifications, and clear, consistent communication that provide parents with peace of mind and districts with greater visibility and operational confidence.
• Efficient, reliable transportation that supports student success: Optimized routes with a 98% on-time performance, ensuring predictable service and helping students arrive on time and ready to learn.
• An industry-leading driver and monitor model: Comprehensive training, competitive pay, and benefits that attract and retain qualified drivers and monitors—addressing a nationwide driver shortage and ensuring 100% route coverage. An informational meeting for drivers and monitors will be held at Shawnee Mission North High School (7401 Johnson Dr, Overland Park, KS 66202) in the cafeteria on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM. All existing drivers and monitors, as well as new applicants, are encouraged to join. For more information and updates on upcoming hiring events, visit Zum’s driver and monitor page.
• State-of-the-art buses and infrastructure: Modern, air-conditioned buses and advanced safety technology designed to enhance the student experience and improve drivers’ day-to-day work.
• A parent-first experience: Transparency built into every ride, with real-time updates through the Zum app on bus location and student pickup and drop-off status.

We are thrilled to welcome Shawnee Mission as a school district partner!