MANCHESTER, N.H.- Officials from the Teamsters Union Local 633 and First Student bus company have reached a tentative agreement, avoiding a strike.

Tuesday’s announcement comes as the current contract was scheduled to expire, resulting in a strike and thousands of parents scrambling to find a way to get their kids to school.

Union officials say the deal features better retirement benefits, improved access to healthcare and contractual protections for all members; while First Student called the tentative agreement “fair.”

A strike would have impacted students Nashua, Derry, North Hampton, Plaistow, Rochester and Swanzey.