Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) has responded to a data request and confirmed, to date, that it has paid Frontier Transportation Services $7.5 million since 2022—that’s $4 million over the contract for services through the year 2027.
An Alpha News investigation recently uncovered that Frontier Transportation Services, LLC—operated by two men named Falmata Bedasso and Abdurahman Kadir—invoiced MPS for more than $7 million.
In response to a data request, the district provided a spreadsheet with each of Frontier’s invoices. The total amount adds up to more than $7.5 million and each invoice has a payment status of “paid.”
Frontier relies on Type III minivans to transport students, which are limited to a maximum of 10 passengers, including the driver.
The lion’s share of Frontier’s billing is tied to the transportation of Homeless and Highly Mobile (HHM) students—a designation in Minnesota for students who lack a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.”
A new state law took effect in 2023 guaranteeing school districts 100% reimbursement for transportation costs tied to HHM students, according to Minneapolis Schools Voices.
The Alpha News report also highlighted the district’s lack of vehicle inventory records, raising broader concerns about oversight and accountability in a state drowning in fraud.
Republican state legislator: ‘Stay Tuned’
State Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, chair of the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, responded to the report on X, calling it “Another area we have been getting whistleblower complaints on,” and added: “Stay tuned.”
Another area we have been getting whistleblower complaints on. Stay tuned. https://t.co/8yKWxeUQrJ
— Kristin Robbins (@KRobbinsMN) April 30, 2025
Despite multiple attempts by Alpha News to seek comments from key officials—including Gov. Tim Walz and State Auditor Julie Blaha—no responses have been received as of publication.
Earlier this year, Walz announced a new anti-fraud initiative, saying he wanted to “turn the dial” on the state’s approach to combating fraud.
“It’s simply unacceptable. It’s maddening, and it makes myself and Minnesotans angry about this,” Walz said at a January press conference.
Alpha News’ reporting has sparked significant public reaction, drawing hundreds of comments and shares across social media. Many readers expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of oversight and transparency in public education spending.
Alpha News sent the published report to Minneapolis Public Schools for comment but has not received a response.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
