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Today โ€” 9 May 2025Main stream

North Carolina School Bus Driver Helps Locate Missing 14-Year-Old

A Wilmington teen diagnosed with autism was found safe after a New Hanover County school bus driver helped police locate the boy, reported WRAL News.

According to the article, bus driver Marie Murphy and her monitor Valeria Davis were picking up students April 25 during their normal route when Davis received a notification on her cell phone.

Davis told local news reporters that the WECT app, which provides local news alerts, notified her that a teenager was missing around the Wilmington area.

Davis showed the update to Murphy, and they realized the 14-year-old often rode their school bus. The teen was reported missing at midnight, and the Wilmington Police officers had spent five hours looking for him that morning.

After seeing the boyโ€™s picture, Murphy and Davis were on the lookout as well. Murphy told local news reporters that it made her think of her own kids.

During their last school bus stop, the women reportedly saw the teen standing with a friend on the side of a street. They tried talking to the teen about the incident but all he said was that he wanted to go to school.

Davis and Murphyc contacted their supervisors, Laura Sebert and Stacy Greene, who called 911. Murphy drove the teen to New Hanover High School, where police met them. The reasons for the teenโ€™s disappearance remain unclear.


Related:ย North Carolina Student in Custody for Bringing Gun on School Bus
Related:ย North Carolina Students Injured After Gunshots Fired Outside School Bus
Related:ย Fourth Grader Drives Pickup Truck to School After Missing School Bus
Related:ย New Jersey School Bus That Went Missing Was Found

The post North Carolina School Bus Driver Helps Locate Missing 14-Year-Old appeared first on School Transportation News.

Yesterday โ€” 8 May 2025Main stream

Washington School Bus Driver Fatally Injured During Crash

A Lynden School District bus driver in Lyden Washington, died following a traffic incident, reported KPUG News.

The incident occurred May 1, when the school bus driven by Annette Lyon collided with a white SUV just before 8 a.m.

According to the news report, there were no students on board the bus or involved in the crash. Lyon had been with the district since 2021.

Police said via the article that the SUV driver was sent to a local hospital with unknown injuries. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is being asked to contact authorities.


Related:ย Pennsylvania School Bus Driver Dies as Result of Crash
Related:ย Over a Dozen Injured in a New Jersey School Bus Crash
Related:ย Massachusetts School Bus Driver Crashes into Trees Due to Medical Emergency
Related:ย Michigan School Bus Driver Charged in Fatal Crash

The post Washington School Bus Driver Fatally Injured During Crash appeared first on School Transportation News.

Georgia School Bus Driver, 7 Children Charged After Student Attack

A Georgia school bus driver and seven students have been charged in relation to a violent attack of a 7-year-old student during a bus ride, reported WTOC.

According to the news report, a William James Middle School resource officer in Bulloch County received a report April 23 of an attack on the child during the morning bus route of April 18. Following the report, a criminal investigation into the incident was initiated.

Details from the investigation revealed that seven students ages 5 to 14 physically attacked a 7-year-old child during the bus ride to Mattie Lively Elementary School.

Capt. Todd Hutchens with the Bulloch County Sheriffโ€™s Office told local news reporters that one used his feet to stomp on the 7-year-old. Authorities said the nature of the attack was very violent, which led them to be very concerned for the safety of the 7-year-old as well as other children on the bus.

According to the article, the school nurse said the 7-year-old had multiple injuries, including heavy bruising. Video footage from the bus reportedly shows the seven students involved in the attack. Since then, all the students have been identified, suspended from school and charged with battery.

The bus driver, 70-year-old Joey Edwin Jackson, was also charged following the investigation. He faces charges of cruelty to children in the second degree and failure to report child abuse.

Hutches said via the article that Jackson did not pull over, did not call the bus garage to report an incident, and did not ask for help. Instead, he continued driving to the school. Jackson was fired for failing to follow mandatory reporter protocol. He had been employed by the district since October 2023.


Related:ย Florida School Bus Attendant Arrested for Inappropriate Behavior with Young Girls
Related:ย Alabama School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Student with Special Needs
Related:ย 11-year-old Charged in Maine School Bus Incident
Related:ย Teen Charged in Pennsylvania School Bus Shooting, 3 Others Wanted

The post Georgia School Bus Driver, 7 Children Charged After Student Attack appeared first on School Transportation News.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Massachusetts Student Struck, Killed by School Bus

A 5-year-old boy was struck and killed by a Boston Public School bus in Boston Hyde Park neighborhood, reported WCVB 5 News.

The incident reportedly occurred April 28 around 2:42 p.m., when the boy, identified by his family as Lens Arthur, was coming home from school. Nathaniel Thomas, a witness at the scene, told local news reporters that he pulled up to his driveway and saw Arthur lying on the ground.

According to the news report, Arthurโ€™s uncle confirmed that the boy lived in the neighborhood, attended Up Academy in Dorchester, and had traveled on the school bus that struck him just minutes before being hit by it.

The family told local news reporters that Arthur and his 11-year-old cousin were dropped off on Washington Street instead of their regular bus stop location on Glenwood Avenue.

The order of the events that led to Arthur being struck by the bus remains unclear. However, he reportedly suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to the hospital where he later died. The bus driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the authorities.

Other children who were on board the school bus at the time of the incident were taken to the hospital to be evaluated. It is unclear if any sustained physical injuries.

Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox told local news reporters an investigation is ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact them.


Related:ย Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related:ย Texas Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related:ย 7-year-old Struck and Fatally Injured in Canada
Related:ย Wisconsin Child Fatally Struck by Car While Waiting for School Bus

The post Massachusetts Student Struck, Killed by School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Indiana 15-year-old Accused of Sexual Assault on Ohio School Bus

A 15-year-old boy was accused of raping a 7-year-old boy on a Jennings County school bus, reported WTHR News.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred April 16 on a school bus for students with disabilities. The Jennings County Juvenile Probation Department is overseeing the investigation.

According to the article, the incident was detected in bus security footage and Jennings County School Corporation is now reviewing other security videos from the entire school year to determine if there were other similar incidents.

The news report states that the 15-year-old, who was not identified at this writing, was taken into custody April 17 and had his initial hearing April 22, where prosecutors filed the rape charge.

The teen reportedly has another court hearing this week and is currently being held at the juvenile detention center.

Local news reports confirmed that the family of the 7-year-old is preparing to sue the school district, claiming โ€œgrossly negligentโ€ actions resulted in permanent injury to the boy and violated his civil rights.

The familyโ€™s attorneys reportedly say that the 7-year-old was โ€œhelplessly left unmonitored by two school employees who were on the bus and charged with caring for his safety.โ€

The investigation is ongoing.


Related:ย Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related:ย Sexual Abuse Prevention Expert Provides Strategies When Transporting Students with Disabilities
Related:ย Former Massachusetts School Bus Driver Facing Charges of Sexual Assault
Related:ย TSD Keynote Speaker to Address Sexual Behavior Concerns on Special Needs Routes

The post Indiana 15-year-old Accused of Sexual Assault on Ohio School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Texas Retired Couple Hands Out Easter Baskets at School Bus Stop

28 April 2025 at 23:24

A couple in a Houston, Texas neighborhood brought smiles to childrenโ€™s faces by giving them handmade Easter baskets as they exited their school bus, reported People News.

According to the news report, 77-year-old Mario De Los Santos and 73-year-old Diana De Los Santos performed the act of kindness outside their home on April 14 at the nearby bus stop.

De Los Santos retired 20 years ago as an associate superintendent at Pasadena Independent School District, while Mario retired 18 years ago from his position as a manager of human resources for the City of Houston.

The coupleโ€™s holiday outreach does not stop at Easter, but it extends for Halloween and Christmas, where they share crafts and gifts with neighbors.

The article states that the coupleโ€™s gesture caught the eye of a local mother, Lidia Barcenas Rodriguez, who happened to be picking up her kids at the time. It sparked a new friendship between the neighbors.

That day each child reportedly received a large bunny shaped โ€œeggโ€ that opened and was filled with candy and stickers.

Rodriguez said via the article that the experience has resonated far beyond her own home and lifted her spirits in humanity.


Related:ย Massachusetts School District to Host โ€œStuff-A-Busโ€ Event for Holiday Toy Drive
Related:ย Colorado Parents Raise Money for Holiday Surprises for School Bus Drivers
Related:ย Kentucky School Bus Driver Gifts Pajamas to Student Onboard Bus
Related:ย Kansas School Bus Drivers Deliver Christmas Gifts

The post Texas Retired Couple Hands Out Easter Baskets at School Bus Stop appeared first on School Transportation News.

Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus

24 April 2025 at 22:38

A 6-year-old boy died from his injuries after he was hit by a school bus in New Orleans, Louisiana, reported 4WWL News.

The incident reportedly occurred the morning of April 10 when the student, identified as Mayson Richards, exited his motherโ€™s car in attempt to board a school bus. However, he was struck by the bus that was transporting 27 passengers at the time of the incident. Richards was taken to the hospital, where he died from his injuries not long after. None of the passengers had any reported injuries.

According to the news report, family members at the scene were the ones who identified Richards. He was a student at KIPP Leadership charter school, and his death left his family and community devasted.

Police told local news reporters that the school bus driver, who was not identified in this writing, opened the door to pick up passengers, once everyone had boarded the doors closed and the driver began to drive forward while checking the side view mirrors. When the driver saw Richardsโ€™ mother run from her car and pick up Richards who was lying in the street, thatโ€™s when the driver realized the child had been hit by the bus.

Authorities say via the news report that the bus driver, who remained at the scene and showed no signs of impairment, did not see Richards running to the front of the bus due to his short height.

A representative of JJ Julien Transportation, the company that owns the school bus, told local news reporters that the driver was a โ€œgreat driverโ€ and has been with the company โ€œfor a while.โ€ However, the driver has not been working since the crash.

Richardโ€™s family opened a GoFundMe account to help alleviate the cost of the funeral.


Related:ย Missouri Student Struck, Killed By School Bus
Related:ย 8-Year-Old Struck, Killed by Vehicle After Exiting School Bus in Texas
Related:ย Girl, 8, Killed by School Bus in Mississippi
Related:ย Georgia Student Struck and Killed by Passing Vehicle

The post Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Pennsylvania Kindergartener Struck by School Bus

24 April 2025 at 21:44

A McKeesport Area School District student in Pennsylvania was hospitalized after she was struck by the same school bus that had just dropped her off.

The districtโ€™s superintendent Donald MacFann released a statement confirming that one of a student had been struck by one of the districtโ€™s buses on Tuesday at approximately 3:45 p.m.

The kindergartener, whose identity was not released in this writing, had just gotten off the bus and was struck by the school bus while she crossed the road. The student was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

According to local news reports, the student had a concussion and received six stitches. Her current status remains unclear at this time.

MacFann told local news reporters that he was not aware of any lawsuits or charges filed as of Wednesday morning.


Related:ย Texas Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related:ย 8-Year-Old Struck, Killed by Vehicle After Exiting School Bus in Texas
Related:ย New Jersey School Bus Driver Struck, Killed by Another School Bus
Related:ย Missouri Child Hit by Pickup Truck While Getting Off School Bus

The post Pennsylvania Kindergartener Struck by School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

North Carolina Student in Custody for Bringing Gun on School Bus

22 April 2025 at 18:39

A Snowden Elementary School student in Beaufort County, North Carolina, is in custody for bringing a handgun on a school bus, reported WITN News.

The incident reportedly occurred April 14, when the districtโ€™s school resource officer received a complaint from a school administrator that an elementary school student may have possessed a handgun on a school bus.

According to the news report, a witness said they allegedly saw the student, whose identity was not released at this writing, pull the gun from a bookbag then toss the gun out of the bus window.

The resource officer notified the criminal investigation division of what allegedly occurred and investigators began to look into it.

Officers went to the school and, with the help of the school administrator, interviewed witness and reviewed video footage from the bus cameras. As a result, the gun was recovered by investigators, who then served the student with a petition and secured custody order on April 15.

The investigation is ongoing.


Related:ย Iowa Student Found with BB Gun on School Bus
Related:ย Pennsylvania Student Arrested After Allegedly Bringing Gun on School Bus
Related:ย Arizona Student Found with Gun on School Bus
Related:ย New York School Bus Hit by Gunfire

The post North Carolina Student in Custody for Bringing Gun on School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

South Carolina Man Charged in Connection to School Bus Arson, Vandalism

21 April 2025 at 22:32

A man in Greenville, South Carolina was arrested and charged with arson after allegedly damaging several school buses.

The Greenville Police Department released a statement Monday confirming the arrest of a man who set fire to and vandalized some Legacy Charter School buses early Saturday morning.

Authorities say Greenville police officers and firefighters responded to a 911 call. Upon arrival, the first responders discovered two school buses fully engulfed in flames and numerous others damaged, totaling approximately $400,000 in losses.

According to police, the fire was quickly determined to be arson, and detectives immediately began searching the premises for surveillance footage. With the help of the school resource officer, a suspect image was obtained, which led officers to a nearby gas station, where a clearer photo of the suspect was discovered.

Authorities were reportedly able to identify and locate the suspect, who was not named at this writing, and a search warrant was executed at his residence. It is unclear what the suspectโ€™s motives were.

He was taken into custody and charged with four counts of arson and four counts of auto-breaking.


Related:ย Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire
Related:ย Advanced Warning of Electric School Bus Fires Key to Prompt Evacuation
Related:ย School Buses in Georgia Vandalized, Suspect in Custody
Related:ย North Texas School Bus Engine Catches Fire, Students Evacuated Safely

The post South Carolina Man Charged in Connection to School Bus Arson, Vandalism appeared first on School Transportation News.

Michigan Middle Schooler Dead After Exiting School Bus

18 April 2025 at 21:00

A Handy Middle School student was found dead not long after he exited his school bus, reported The Star News.

The incident reportedly occurred Tuesday after an unidentified 14-year-old student was dropped off at a bus stop near MacGregor Elementary School. The boy was found dead shortly after.

According to the article, a neighbor discovered the body on the sidewalk and called 911. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is assumed that the boy was walking toward his home before being found.

It is unclear what caused the death, but police stated via the article that foul play is not suspected. The investigation is ongoing.


Related:ย Texas Student Struck and Killed by School Bus
Related:ย 9-Year-Old Student Dies After Being Swept Away by Floodwaters
Related:ย New York School Bus Crash Leaves One Dead, Others Injured
Related:ย Motorist Dead After Colliding with Ohio School Bus During Drop Off

The post Michigan Middle Schooler Dead After Exiting School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

West Virginia School Bus Driver Accused of DUI, Accepts Guilty Plea

18 April 2025 at 17:58

A Calhoun County Schools bus driver who was accused of DUI after being involved in a rollover crash accepted a guilty plea agreement, reported WSAZ 3.

The incident reportedly occurred March 4 at approximately 6 p.m., when 54-year-old Jeffrey Brannon was transporting 19 students on Route 16. He ran off the road and struck a culvert, causing the school bus to tip over.

The article states that students on board the bus ranged in ages from 11 to 18. Three students suffered serious injuries. Two of the victims were air lifted from the scene, but their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening. Their current condition is unclear at this time. All other students were taken to local hospitals, where they were treated and released.

Brannon was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and child neglect. A preliminary breath test at the scene showed he had .161 percent blood alcohol level, which isย  four times the legal limit for a commercial driver. Brannonโ€™s bond was set at $250,000 and the first preliminary hearing was held March 14.

Calhoun County Schools Superintendent Michael Fitzwater told local media that all applicable laws will be followed and that Brannon will never operate another school bus.

In the Citrus Court of Calhoun County, Brannon entered a guilty plea April 10 to three counts of DUI causing serious bodily injury and 16 counts of child neglect, creating risk of serious bodily injury.


Related:ย West Virginia School Bus Driver Indicted For DUI
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Related:ย Round Up: School Bus Drivers Arrested for DUIs
Related:ย Massachusetts School Van Driver Faces DUI, Child Endangerment Charges

The post West Virginia School Bus Driver Accused of DUI, Accepts Guilty Plea appeared first on School Transportation News.

Illinois School Bus Driver Facing Charges for Felony Battery Against a Student

16 April 2025 at 18:53

A Ridgeview School District bus driver in McLean County, Illinois, is facing charges for allegedly grabbing an 11-year-old student and leaving red marks on the back of his neck and arms, reported 25 News.

The bus driver, identified as 64-year-old Joseph C. Zimmerman, is facing one felony count of aggravated battery to a child than 13 and two misdemeanor battery counts.

According to the news report, police saw a video showing Zimmerman grabbing the boy by the back of the neck. Zimmerman admitted grabbing the boyโ€™s arm but said he does not remember grabbing the childโ€™s neck.

Zimmerman reportedly grabbed the boy for kicking a ball out of the bus. He told police that students are not allowed to have balls in the bus and this particular ball did not belong to the boy.

The article states that a judge released Zimmerman on the condition that he does not have contact outside his house with anyone under 18-years-old. It was unclear if he was fired from his job or suspended pending investigation.

His arraignment is scheduled for May 2.


Related:ย Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related:ย Florida School Bus Driver Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related:ย Wisconsin School Bus Driver Arrested
Related:ย Colorado School Bus Aid Arrested, Charged with Abusing Student

The post Illinois School Bus Driver Facing Charges for Felony Battery Against a Student appeared first on School Transportation News.

Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire

15 April 2025 at 18:59

A Waldron Public School (WPS) bus caught fire while transporting students to school, and all students were uninjured thanks to the bus driverโ€™s quick response.

WPS released a statement confirming that one of its school buses had experienced an electrical fire, which led to the immediate evacuation of those on board.

District leaders stated that students were safe and transported to school in another vehicle. The fire was successfully extinguished, and the situation was managed by local authorities.

Officials also thanked the bus driver, who was not identified at this writing, for his quick and effective response in evacuating students off the bus and ensuring their safety.

Comments on social media posts showed parents were grateful for the bus driverโ€™s rapid response and at ease knowing that everyone was safe.


Related:ย WATCH: South Carolina Bus Driver and Monitor Save Children from House Fire
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Related:ย Off-duty Ohio School Bus Driver Saves Studentโ€™s Dog From House Fire
Related:ย Colorado School Bus Driver Hailed Hero After Fire

The post Arkansas School District Thanks Driver for Quick Response During Bus Fire appeared first on School Transportation News.

Parents Panic After School Bus Driver Leaves Without Letting Students Off

14 April 2025 at 21:22

Parents question a school bus driverโ€™s actions after he drove away from the bus stop with students still on board on March 27, reported CBC News.

According to the news reports, Chris Roberts was at the bus stop as usual, waiting for his 5-year-old son to come home from Moncton School.

The bus reportedly arrived, the door opened, and a few students got off. Then the driver suddenly closed the door and started to drive away with Robertโ€™s son and other students still on board.

Roberts told local news reporters he began to run toward the bus to alert the driver, who was not identified in this writing. But the driver waved and drove away.

Dozens of kids usually get off the bus at the Chesed Boulevard stop every day at about 3 p.m.

The article states parents have been trying to piece together what happened but still donโ€™t have a clear picture because the Anglophone East School District is not answering their questions.

Roberts told reporters that he was very concerned about the situation because he claims he heard the driver say something that sounded like he was going to teach the children a lesson.

Down the street, another parent, Kenny Caron, was waiting for his 10-year-old to arrive home from Bessborough School. When the usual time came and went without his sonโ€™s arrival, Caron reportedly got in his car and drove to the bus stop where he met Roberts, who was contacting the school.

According to the news report, Caron drove to the school hoping the driver mightโ€™ve returned there with the kids but when he failed to locate the bus, he returned to the bus stop.

During this time, Roberts had reportedly contacted a school official, who communicated with the bus driver. The driver had said he was going to finish his route and then drop the kids off at the bus stop.

The parents told reporters that all they had deduced from the receptionists was that the driver was taking them on a drive to scare them straight.

Both parents stayed at the bus stop in panic until the bus returned with the remaining children. The Carons also tried to get answers from the district to ensure this situation wouldnโ€™t happen again, but nobody contacted them.

Local news reporters requested interviews from the Department of Education, but it was declined and redirected questions to the district.

Caron said he was pleased the district put another adult on the bus with the driver, but he only found out because he waited at the bus stop, not because the district communicated with him.


Related:ย Colorado School Bus Driver Dismissed After Leaving Students at Wrong Bus Stop
Related:ย Ohio Parents Sue School District After 6-Year-Old Left on Bus for Hours
Related:ย Wisconsin Parents Concerned About Unsanitary School Bus
Related:ย District Responds to Parents Fears About Immigration Raids on School Buses

The post Parents Panic After School Bus Driver Leaves Without Letting Students Off appeared first on School Transportation News.

9-Year-Old Student Dies After Being Swept Away by Floodwaters

11 April 2025 at 16:18

Locals in Franklin County, Kentucky, are questioning why the local school district did not to cancel classes amid heavy rain and flooding that ultimately claimed the life of a 9-year-old student who was walking to his bus stop.

Franklin County Schools Superintendent Mark Kopp released a statement on social media confirming the death of one of their students, later identified as Gabriel Andrews, on April morning at approximately 6:35 a.m. It was the last school day before Spring Break.

The statement also included additional comments from the Frankfort Police Department, Mayor Wilkerson and Judge Michael Mueller.

Assistant Police Chief Scott Tracy said via dispatch received a call regarding a juvenile male caught in flood waters in the Hickory Hills area. A Franklin police officer was the first to arrive at the scene, followed by Frankfort Fire and EMS, Frankfort Franklin County Emergency Management, and other local emergency agencies that conducted an extensive search and rescue operation.

According to Tracy, emergency crews recovered the body of Andrews at approximately 8:45 a.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, comments of social media posts reflected strong opinions about the districtโ€™s decision to hold school amid the severe weather challenges and flooding the state was facing as reported by the National Weather Service. Parents were concerned since two bus routes from the district had been cancelled, while others routes were not. STN reached out to the district regarding the routes and decision not to cancel school, but did not hear back at this report.

Additionally, many people shared their condolences to the childโ€™s family through Facebook posts.

Both Wilkerson and Mueller extended their condolences to the family, gave thanks to first responders for their rapid response, and encouraged the community to stay safe during the weekendโ€™s severe weather event.


Related:ย Students Rescued from School Buses Caught in Floodwaters
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Related:ย Deadly Hurricane Helene Closes Schools in Multiple States Amid Catastrophic Flooding
Related:ย Florida Students Hit, Two Killed During School Bus Stop Walks

The post 9-Year-Old Student Dies After Being Swept Away by Floodwaters appeared first on School Transportation News.

Fourth Grader Drives Pickup Truck to School After Missing School Bus

11 April 2025 at 15:57

A fourth grader in Maize, Kansas, drove his parentโ€™s pickup truck to school after he missed his school bus, reported KSN News.

According to the article, someone saw the child driving the truck around 8:10 a.m. Wednesday and called the police. Responding officers could not immediately locate the pickup, until someone waved them down and pointed them to Pray-Wood Elementary School.

Police said the child drove the pickup about three miles from his home to the school. Officers added the child parked better than many adults.

Police reportedly did not ticket anyone and allowed the boyโ€™s parents to handle the situation.


Related:ย Colorado School Bus Driver Dismissed After Leaving Students at Wrong Bus Stop
Related:ย Missouri Child Hit by Pickup Truck While Getting Off School Bus
Related:ย Concerns About Getting Kids to School Safely
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The post Fourth Grader Drives Pickup Truck to School After Missing School Bus appeared first on School Transportation News.

Rhode Island District Adds School Bus Video to Reduce Illegal Passing

10 April 2025 at 16:57

North Providence Schools in Rhode Island is adding video cameras to its school buses to catch motorists who drive past stopped buses and run their stop signs, reported WPRI 12.

A school bus driver from the district, Cynthia Sanchez, told local news reporters that she often sees drivers ignore the stop sign on the side of her bus. Sanchez stated that she often radios dispatch to report a vehicleโ€™s license plate number every time someone runs her red light at 30 mph. Yet nothing changes.

According to the news report, school buses from the district have now been equipped with new cameras to hold those drivers accountable for illegal passing.

Police chief Alfredo Ruggiero told local news reporters that the district received the BusPatrol cameras through a grant. The devices can be found all around the bus, from the stop sign to the windshield.

The cameras begin to record when school bus operators open the loading doors and stop recording when doors close.

According to the article, as of April the town is giving motorists a 30-day grace period to comply with the law by mailing a warning letter. Starting May 1, motorists can face fines between $250 and $500. Their driverโ€™s license could also be suspended for 30 days.


Related:ย Combatting Illegal Passing with Awareness, Technology
Related:ย Ohio Bill Seeks School Bus Illegal Passing Fine Increase, Safety Fund
Related:ย Georgia Gov Signs Law Following Fatal Illegal Passing Incident
Related:ย School Bus Cameras Could Soon Catch Pittsburgh Drivers That Donโ€™t Stop

The post Rhode Island District Adds School Bus Video to Reduce Illegal Passing appeared first on School Transportation News.

Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault

8 April 2025 at 23:13

A school bus aid in Howard County, Maryland, was accused of sexual assault against students, reported WBAL TV 11.

According to the news report, 80-year-old Albert Rice, Jr. was charged with sexual assault and a fourth-degree sex offense after he was accused of hurting two students.

Police said detectives received reports that Rice allegedly hit a non-verbal student on a school bus. Surveillance video was pulled and police found evidence of Rice hitting a 13-year-old non-verbal student and inappropriately touching another 13-year-old student.

According to charging documents obtained by local news reporters, video of the incident showed the teen first struck Rice, who responded by hitting the teen in the face while she was secured in a seatbelt. The charging documents also state that Rice admitted to investigators that he was frustrated with the victim when he hit her.

Detectives stated via the article that Rice is an aide for a school bus that transports students to to the Linwood Center, a non-public special education program in Ellicott City. He is reportedly not employed by the school but by transportation company Bowen Bus Services. Rice has been an aide for two and a half years. The school declined to comment further.

It is unclear when the incident occurred. However, back in February, Rice was reportedly suspended over an unspecified incident. Police say via the article there are no indications of other victims but anyone with information can contact the department. The investigation is ongoing.


Related:ย Wisconsin School Bus Driver Arrested
Related:ย Louisiana School Bus Driver Arrested Amid Sexual Assault Charges
Related:ย Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related:ย 3-Year Prison Sentence for School Bus Aide Convicted in Choking Death

The post Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault appeared first on School Transportation News.

Virginia School District Holds School Bus Rodeo Skills Competition

4 April 2025 at 20:21

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) held a bus roadeo for its drivers to show off their skills in school transportation, reported 29 News.

Albermarle County Public Schools Bus During Roadeo.

According to the news report, the districtโ€™s bus drivers took on timed challenges March 28 and demonstrated their skills in backing up, parking and navigating tight spaces.

ACPS Bus Driver Jan Kendrick told local news reporters that the roadeo gives the drivers a chance to get together and show what they can do. More than just a roadeo, bus drivers view it as training and a chance for friendly competition.

Kendrick said competing in the roadeo also helps them every day when driving students to and from school. The district serves over 14,000 students from elementary to high school.

Albermarle County Public Schools Bus Roadeo Award.

โ€œA bus driver has more to do in that one seat than any other driver out there,โ€ said Kendrick via the article.

The Transporting Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Conference held in Frisco, Texas each November, also features a school bus roadeo, allowing a driver and monitor team to compete on a national level.


Related:ย TSD Evacuation Class Emphasizes Importance of Training
Related:ย Texas Teams Dominate Roadeo Competition Held at TSD Conference
Related:ย Virginia School Bus Driver Retires After Over 50 Years of Service
Related:ย Gallery: Roadeo, Leadership Award, Autism Advice on TSD Day 3

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