A teen girl was shot and injured near a school bus stop in Wood Village, Oregon, leading to the arrest of a 14-year old suspect who fled the scene.

According to the police report, Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies responded around 4:14 p.m. May 15 to reports of a shooting near Northeast 235th Avenue after a school bus driver called 911. When first responders arrived, they found a teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound.

Deputies immediately began providing life-saving aid until paramedics arrived and transported the girl to a local hospital. Authorities said she was alert and responsive while receiving treatment at the scene.

In an update released a day later, investigators confirmed the teen girl shot is 13 years old and has non-life threatening injuries. Detectives said the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the shooting itself remain under investigation, though preliminary findings indicate the incident may have started with an argument.

Witnesses told investigators the suspect ran from the area immediately after the shooting. Authorities did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the public, and no shelter-in-place order was issued.

Investigators coordinated with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office while interviewing witnesses, collecting video footage and processing evidence connected to the case.

The shooting rattled nearby residents, many of whom said they were alarmed to learn the victim was a young teenager. “I was really bummed to find out it was a teenager when I was talking to police,” nearby resident Corbin Mandzij told local news reporters.

Another neighbor expressed concern about violence occurring in a neighborhood with many children. “A stray bullet can go anywhere,” the neighbor told the station. “There’s lots of kids around here, my biggest worry is about the kids.”

Some residents said the shooting happened only steps from their homes. “It was 15 feet from my property line, right outside my front door,” one neighbor said. Others said the incident has left them feeling uneasy.

Teen Girl Shot by 14-Year-Old Boy, Police Allege

Authorities announced Tuesday that a 14-year-old boy accused of shooting the girl turned himself in to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. According to investigators, the surrender was coordinated through the suspect’s attorney after detectives requested he come forward.

The suspect surrendered at the Multnomah County Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center and was booked on charges of attempted murder, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Because the suspect is a juvenile, authorities said they will not release additional identifying information.

Investigators said the shooting began after two teenage girls got into a physical fight after exiting a school bus. Detectives said both girls knew the 14-year-old suspect. During the altercation, the boy allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the 13-year-old girl before fleeing the scene. Authorities also confirmed the suspect is not enrolled in the Reynolds School District. However, it was unclear if the suspect was on board the school bus with the girls. The victim remains hospitalized with injuries considered non-life threatening.

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office credited deputies, detectives, analysts and members of the U.S. Marshals Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force for their work on the investigation. Authorities also thanked community members who provided cellphone video, tips and other information related to the case.

Related: Teen Charged in Pennsylvania School Bus Shooting, 3 Others Wanted
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Related: North Carolina Students Injured After Gunshots Fired Outside School Bus

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A 7-year-old boy died after being struck by a school bus moments after exiting his vehicle in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

According to a  news release from the Greenwich Township Police Department, officers responded around 3:40 p.m. May 8 to reports of a “pedestrian motor vehicle crash involving a juvenile and a school bus.”

When officers arrived at the scene, they joined nearby residents in administering emergency medical aid to the child before Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services took over treatment efforts. The boy was transported to Cooper University Hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Authorities later identified the child as Hunter Smith of Gibbstown. Investigators said they believe the crash happened shortly after the boy exited the school bus. The incident stunned residents in the neighborhood, as emergency lights filled the streets while first responders worked to save the child.

“I heard the police and ambulance and all that stuff,” one neighbor told local news reporters. “I thought it was down the street. Then I come and look out here and, next thing you know, the whole neighborhood’s crawling with red lights and blue lights.”

The neighbor said he frequently saw the boy walking to and from the bus stop. “I see the kid walking up, down the street every day, either going to school or coming from school or to the bus stop,” he said. “It’s tragic, it’s devastating for the family. May God rest his soul.”

Investigation Underway As Video Shows Horrific Aftermath of Incident

Video captured by a Ring doorbell camera and obtained by a local news outlet showed a frantic aftermath moments after the collision. In the footage, a woman can be seen rushing to a nearby home and pleading for help while the school bus remained stopped in the roadway. Several residents gathered around the Smith in an attempt to assist before emergency crews arrived.

The bus involved in the incident was operated by Holcomb Transportation. A spokesperson for the company confirmed to local reporters that the bus driver is a 48-year-old woman who has worked for Holcomb Transportation since 2024 and had no prior issues.

In a statement via local news, Holcomb Transportation said it is “heartbroken” and “deeply concerned” over the tragedy.

“We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Frank Patrinicola, the company’s director of safety and risk, said in part. “In addition to the official investigation, we have launched our own internal review to understand exactly what happened and to ensure that every appropriate measure is taken moving forward.”

Officials have not released additional details about how the crash occurred or whether any charges are being considered. The incident remains under investigation. In the wake of the tragedy, community organizations and local officials began offering support to grieving residents and students.

A representative from Clonmell United Methodist Church announced it would open Saturday for residents impacted by the incident, according to the police department’s release. The Greenwich Township School District in New Jersey also said counseling services would be available for students.

According to data compiled by School Transportation News, at least eight student fatalities tied to school transportation incidents have occurred during the current 2025–2026 school year, including six pedestrian deaths in which students were struck by school buses. STN research also identified that at least 18 students died in school transportation-related incidents during the 2024–2025 school year. Of those cases, at least eight involved students who were struck and killed by a school bus.

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A school bus hit and killed a 9-year-old boy in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, prompting renewed calls from residents and city leaders for safety improvements at a busy intersection, reported ABC News 7.

According to the news report, police identified the child as Yoel Jacobowitz. He was crossing the street May 1 on his way to school, when the school bus hit him around 8:15 a.m. in South Williamsburg.

Investigators said a private Yeshiva school bus was turning onto Lorimer Street at the time. The 49-year-old driver, who was not identified at this reportg, initially continued driving after hitting the child. The driver then returned to the scene once alerted of the school bus hit the boy. Jacobowitz was pronounced dead at the scene. No charges had been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The crash stunned members of the neighborhood’s Orthodox Jewish community, many of whom gathered nearby in prayer and mourning while expressing frustration over traffic conditions and street safety.

Traffic Patterns, Congestion Blamed

“The traffic here is crazy. There needs to be some guidance and some rules,” one resident told local news reporters.

Residents said the intersection has become increasingly hazardous, especially because of ongoing construction work that has left the area without clearly marked crosswalks and street markings.

“It’s a very, very busy intersection,” another community member said. “We have a lot going on, a lot of stores and a lot of people crossing over. We need something to be done so this doesn’t keep happening.”

Witnesses and neighbors described the area as especially crowded May 1 as families prepared for Shabbat.

City leaders urged the New York City Department of Transportation to examine signal timing and consider immediate changes to improve conditions for pedestrians. Mayor Zohran Mamdani reportedly said that he was “devastated” by the child’s death and called the crash “a painful reminder” of the need to make city streets safer for pedestrians.

Related: N.Y. Child Struck, Killed by School Bus
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Related: Massachusetts Student Struck, Killed by School Bus
Related: Louisiana Student Struck and Killed by School Bus

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A Long Island teenager and his mother are being praised after helping rescue a neighbor from a house fire while the boy waited for his school bus, reported People News.

The incident reportedly occurred March 31 when Jovani Moss, 15, heard “crackling” of flames coming from a house across the street from his family’s residence in Melville, New York.

“I didn’t notice the fire at first,” Moss told local news reporters. “But I heard the crackling of the fire, and I turned to look and called my mom.”

Moss said he immediately alerted his mother, Natechia Moss, and asked whether he should go to the house or call 911.

Natechia reportedly instructed her son to contact emergency responders while she rushed outside her house to warn the homeowner. She repeatedly rang the doorbell but got no response and thus began kicking the door until it partially opened. “I kept kicking the door,” she said via the article “Finally, I got it ajar a little bit, and all of a sudden, I saw her standing there and I grabbed her and said, ‘Your house is on fire!’”

The homeowner had reportedly attempted to re-enter the burning residence to retrieve her cat and jewelry before eventually escaping safely. Firefighters from the Melville Fire Department responded to the blaze. No injuries were reported.

Moss has since been hailed as a hero for reacting quickly, though the teen downplayed the attention. “A lot of people calling me a hero,” he said via the report. “I was like, ‘I’m not really a hero. I’m just being a good neighbor.”

He credited his mother with setting the example and teaching him to stay aware of his surroundings.

“Take out the ear pods. Keep your phone in your pocket until you get on that bus,” Natechia said of the advice she gives her son. “Always be aware.”

Melville Fire Chief Donald Barclay praised the family’s actions. “We are thankful no one was hurt and that Jovani did the right thing and helped his neighbor. The world needs more Jovani,” said Barclay via the article. He also commended the department’s volunteer firefighters, saying the incident reflected “the idea of helping your neighbor in multiple ways.”

Written with assistance from AI.

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Student transportation leaders often encounter unique situations that require creative solutions to meet student needs. An island off the coast of Virginia’s Eastern Shore required a solution that looks very different from the classic yellow school bus.

Accomack County Public Schools serves about 5,000 students who attend 11 kindergarten through 12th grade. Three of these schools are located on islands off the coast of the state.

“Tangier Island is located off the western coast of Accomack County in the Chesapeake Bay, and unlike our other island, Chincoteague, Tangier is only accessible by boat or airplane,” explained Danielle Clark, the district’s public information officer.

The small island of Tangier only has a population of 436, and Clark shared that residents rely on ATVs, bicycles, golf carts and few cars for transportation. When a student with disabilities needed transportation to school, the district’s transportation department purchased a dedicated golf cart to ensure safe and reliable transportation.

“The driver, Mr. Kim Parks, is affectionately referred to as Mr. Kim or Sox by the students and staff,” said Clark. “He is the all-around handyman of the school and takes great pride in his role of helping students, staff and the community as a whole.”

Chris Reeder, transportation supervisor at Accomack, said his department is responsible for providing and maintaining the golf cart used on Tangier. He continued that when the batteries needed to be replaced, staff had to transport the new batteries by boat to the island.

“We also have to meet the boat for any trips the students go on there,” said Reeder. “They arrive over here on the boat, and we take them by bus to various locations of field trips.”

This is just one story of a unique geographical or needs-based scenarios that requires creative solutions from student transportation departments. In North Carolina, the state’s Department of Transportation posted a video of a school bus being transported to and from Knotts Island to provide transportation for students in Currituck County.

A similar situation exists in South Carolina where students are ferried from Sandy Island to the mainland where they board a school bus. Boats can also be more commonplace when transporting students in Alaska, British Columbia and other locations surrounded by large bodies of water.

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CINCINNATI, Ohio – First Student, North America’s largest student transportation services provider, today announced it has been named to the TIME100 Most Influential Companies 2026. First Student was named in the Industry Leaders: Transportation category, which honors organizations making an extraordinary impact in their industries. The recognition highlights First Student’s leadership in transforming and redefining student transportation through its proprietary HALO technology platform, which integrates real-time data, AI technology and predictive analytics.

HALO was developed in-house to address the growing complexity in K–12 operations and the long-standing problems of fragmented systems and a lack of real-time visibility in school transportation. With HALO, dispatching and routing intelligence, vehicle tracking, safety insights, preventive maintenance, and communication are all seamlessly connected, unifying First Student’s fleet of over 48,000 vehicles and supporting approximately 4.8 million student journeys each day for approximately 1,400 customers, creating a unified, real-time operating platform for student transportation at scale.

The impact of HALO is measurable across the business, driving improvements in workforce stability, operational efficiency, and safety outcomes.

In pilot programs conducted across six locations, HALO-enabled safety technology delivered strong early results, including:

81% reduction in inattentive driving events
63% reduction in forward collision rates
54% reduction in rolling stops

Beyond safety, HALO is also improving workforce and operational performance across the platform, including:

115% increase in driver interview completion rates
38% reduction in training time
“Being named to the TIME100 Companies list is a meaningful recognition for First Student and reflects the impact we’re making for millions of students and families every day,” said John Kenning, CEO and President of First Student. “At First Student, caring for students is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to provide the best transportation experience, so students arrive ready to achieve their full potential, and this recognition reflects our team’s commitment to living our values and delivering on that promise every day. As we look ahead, we remain committed to setting the highest standards in safety and service for the thousands of communities we serve.”

Enhanced through a strategic partnership with Samsara (NYSE: IOT), the HALO platform incorporates AI-powered cameras, advanced analytics, and predictive safety insights. The results are measurable with HALO driving meaningful improvements in safety, operational efficiency, and the student experience. From reducing road incidents to improving driver performance and streamlining claims management, the platform is helping deliver safer, more reliable transportation at scale. At the same time, HALO provides real-time visibility to parents and caregivers through its First View app, offering peace of mind and strengthening trust in every ride.

“HALO represents a fundamental shift from reactive to predictive operations in student transportation,” said Sean McCormack, CIO of First Student. “We’ve taken an industry that has long been siloed and reimagined it through AI-powered innovation at scale. By integrating real-time data across routing, safety, maintenance, and communications, HALO turns insight into action, improving outcomes for students, drivers, parents and school districts alike. This recognition from TIME underscores how purpose-built technology can transform complex, real-world systems and improve the transportation experience for millions of students and parents.”

By combining scale, technology, and a deep commitment to operational excellence, First Student is setting a new global standard for student transportation. The company is redefining how it operates at scale and delivering not just students, but confidence, safety, and a better start to every school day.

About First Student
First Student is reimagining the school bus experience, making approximately 4.8 million student journeys across North America every day. As a leader in K-12 transportation, the company completes approximately 860 million student rides annually, delivering not just students, but confidence, reliability, and peace of mind to families and school districts alike. Backed by a workforce of highly trained drivers and an industry-leading fleet of over 48,000 vehicles, including electric buses, First Student is a mission-driven partner in education.

Named one of Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies, First Student offers cutting-edge services including special needs transportation, AI route optimization, fleet electrification, vehicle maintenance services, and charter services. First Student’s impact extends beyond logistics: every ride is designed to be a safe and supportive space where students can start their day with a great experience. With innovation at our core, First Student is driving the future of student transportation one ride at a time.

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The New York State Police recognized three individuals for their swift and life-saving actions during a medical emergency involving a school bus driver earlier this year in Oneida County.

The state police said the emergency unfolded Jan. 5 in the Town of Verona at approximately 12:25 p.m., as a school bus traveled along State Route 365 near the intersection with State Route 31. During the route, the unidentified school bus operator xperienced a severe medical event, creating a dangerous situation for passengers onboard and other motorists.

Dina Johnson, an employee of First Student who was on the bus at the time of the incident, along with bus aide Kately Vasquez and passing motorist Stephen Dillon, were formally honored for their roles in responding to the incident.

Authorities said Johnson acted immediately, taking control of the moving bus and safely bringing it to a stop. Her actions prevented the vehicle from continuing uncontrolled and helped ensure the safety of those on board.

At the same time Vasquez, worked to assess the condition of the incapacitated driver and began coordinating an emergency response. Recognizing the urgency, Johnson flagged down Dillon, who was driving by and stopped to assist.

Dillon and Vasquez then worked together to perform life-saving measures on the bus driver while awaiting first responders. Johnson contacted 911 and remained actively involved in managing the situation until emergency medical personnel arrived and took over care.

State police said the coordinated efforts of Dillon, Vasquez and Johnson were critical in stabilizing the situation and preventing further harm.

Life-saving Trio Recognized for Rapid Response

In recognition of their life-saving actions, the trio were honored by Major Marc A. Barbera, commander of Troop D, along with Capt. Paul T. Kuropatwinski and Lt. Scott T. Kedenburg. Officials said their response demonstrated teamwork, composure, and a strong commitment to public safety.

While authorities did not release an update on the bus driver’s condition, they emphasized that the rapid response by those on scene played a key role in addressing the emergency.

Incidents involving medical emergencies behind the wheel can quickly escalate, particularly when they involve vehicles transporting students. State police noted that the actions taken by Dillon, Vasquez and Johnson highlight the importance of preparedness and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations.

State police said the recognition was intended to honor the individuals’ actions and to emphasize the importance of cooperation and awareness during emergencies. The ceremony concluded with commendations presented to Johnson, Vasquez, and Dillon, recognizing their efforts to protect others during a moment of crisis.

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A parent is calling a kindergarten teacher a hero after he helped children escape a school bus following a crash April 2, near the Jacksonville Zoo, reported News 4 Jax.

Mandy Rubin spoke at a Duval County school board meeting, recounting the moments after a semi-truck rear-ended a bus carrying about 30 San Pablo elementary school students.

Rubin reportedly said teacher Franz Lerch helped keep her son calm and safely freed him from his seat in the chaotic aftermath of the crash.

“Mr. Lerch, in an extreme moment of crisis, was calm and collected, keeping my child calm while he worked to cut him loose from his seat,” Rubin said.

She urged district leaders to formally recognize Lerch, calling his actions selfless and courageous.

“He’s a hero in every sense of that word,” Rubin stated. “I also know that he would not single himself out. I know that any teacher would have acted similarly without thought for themselves. Because, to a public-school teacher, any child is their child.”

Student Injuries Could Have Been Worse Without Hero’s Actions

Her comments reportedly drew applause from those attending the meeting. Duval County Schools Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier also addressed the crash during the meeting, acknowledging staff at San Pablo Elementary School. He recognized the school’s assistant principal for stepping in to help lead the campus while the principal went to the hospital following the incident.

Four children were reportedly injured and taken to the hospital, while a fifth person was also transported. Reported injuries include two broken legs, cuts to the head and chest pain. Officials have not released updates on the conditions of those injured.

According to the article, the semi-truck driver told police he saw the bus stopped at railroad tracks and attempted to brake, but said his brakes were not working. The driver reportedly swerved in an attempt to avoid the bus but was unable to prevent the collision.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as families and school officials continue to recover from the incident.

Related: New York School Bus Driver Dies After Medical Emergency
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Editor’s Note: The article states “cut the seats.” STN inferred the article is relating to seatbelts, especially as Florida law requires the lap restraints. 

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Teaching school bus safety behavior to younger student riders comes in a variety of forms. A Georgia grandmother is using a children’s book to bring the safety lessons to life.

Annette Bentley-Smith, or Mrs. Annie, has a passion for writing. She self-published her first book in 2015. Since then, she has expanded her books for children to cover various facets of education and other childhood experiences, including bullying, wearing braces, living through divorce and sleepovers. This eventually led her to the yellow school bus, a part of millions of children’s educational journey.

Bentley-Smith said her longtime friend of over 10 years, school bus driver Jeremy Tackett, mentioned to her that he doesn’t see children’s books on the topic of school bus safety. He shared many real-life experiences from his own career as a school bus driver. Her own two grown sons rode the school bus and her six-year-old step-grandson now does the same. All those experiences shaped the story.

She added that Tackett shared with her that his daughter, who was in first grade at the time, being bullied onboard the bus by a fifth-grade student. It escalated to a physical assault inside the school.

“Safety is a broad word, it’s an umbrella,” she said.

She continued that physical safety, emotional safety, bravery, challenging new life experiences, these are all things she writes about as they’re not only situations faced by many children but “all of my books are based on actual experiences” which she said hopes will help children relate to the stories.

She said that her titular character, “Kobe the Koala,” was created to resonate with children and that she has tried to use a rhyming style to make the safety education easier to remember .

“I love my books to rhyme it because I feel like it makes it stick more and makes it more relatable. It makes it more fun and then it’s not just a book of rules,” said Bentley-Smith.

Safety Book Character Kobe Inspired by Granddaughter

Kobe is also a plush toy. Bentley-Smith, the Georgia grandmother, explained that the toy not only serves as a physical comfort to students but as an auditory reminder. The children’s families can record themselves reading the book aloud, and the audio is stored within the Kobe toy. She said her granddaughter had once said to her, “I wish you could be here every night to read to me.” That inspired this journey to create a toy that can carry the voice of their loved ones.

The story in “Kobe the Koala and the School Bus Mission” follows the main character walking through the woods and seeing a school bus drive by. As it does, students demonstrate unsafe behaviors by hanging out the windows and throwing objects outside. Kobe then goes onto the school bus and starts explaining to the students that safe behaviors means staying seated, keeping backpacks out of the aisle, and speaking softly.

The goal of the story is to teach students how to be brave and set good examples for their peers which makes the school bus ride safe and fun, not only for themselves but for the driver.

“They [school bus drivers] are trying to, you know, stay focused on the road, but then at the same time, they have to stay focused on these kids and when all this commotion is going on, it’s unsafe for the kids and unsafe for the bus driver.,” stated Bentley-Smith. “So, it kind of ties in with my mission, with the kids, teaching the kids bravery and speaking up. And being willing to practice good safety and good behavior,”

Bentley-Smith posted the following review on LinkedIn from a first-grade teacher who used the book with her class:

“I read this book before our field trip and it was perfect,” the reader wrote. “I went over how to behave during the field trip and this helped to discuss how to ride a bus for the ones who are not bus riders. It helped to keep our bus clean and they were ready to discuss the right and wrong ways to ride a bus. They loved it and appreciated the fact that the author was local!”

Bentley-Smith recommends using a rewards system that gives students a sense of accomplishment when they consistently practice safe school bus behavior through a “School Bus Bucks” program that has a prize of a pin that reads “School Bus Safety Star.”

She explained that she plans to use the Kobe character in a series of 10 books that will be set in different states across the country. This first book in the series is set in her home state of Georgia.

Her website provides information about a sponsorship called the “The 485 Children’s Mission,” which looks to give 485 copies of the “Kobe the Koala and the School Bus Mission” as resources to students across the country through placement in schools, community organizations, families in need, literacy programs, and directly to student transportation professionals as part of their own safety training programs.

Related: NC Transportation Manager Channels Passion for Education, Safety into Children’s Books
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A Lynchburg school bus driver has been arrested for alleged child strangulation during an incident on a bus parked at an elementary school, reported WDBJ 7.

Police responded to an incident at Linkhorne Elementary School March 30, after receiving a report of a disorderly individual. An investigation later determined that a school bus driver allegedly assaulted a student while the bus was parked in the schools lot.

Authorities said via the article that the investigation, conducted in coordination with Lynchburg City Schools, revealed the student had been strangled during the encounter. The child did not suffer life-threatening injuries from the alleged strangulation and is considered safe.

Effie Wynn, 73, of Lynchburg, was arrested April 4, and charged with child strangulation and neglect. She is being held without bond at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.

Police did not release additional details about what led to the incident or the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault. Officials also did not say whether other students were present on the bus at the time.

The case remains under active investigation, and additional charges could be possible as the investigation continues. Lynchburg City Schools has not publicly commented on the arrest but has reportedly been cooperating with law enforcement.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

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Related: Florida School Bus Aide Accused of Child Abuse in Ongoing Beating

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A 78-year-old school bus monitor in South Carolina is charged with sex crimes involving a teenage girl who was riding his bus, reported The Augusta Press.

According to the news report, McDonald Walker of Aiken was charged Friday with criminal sexual conduct with a minor and criminal solicitation of a minor. The charges stem from an incident reported March 6 on a school bus.

Police stated a 14-year-old girl said she boarded the bus and took a seat when Walker approached her. “The bus monitor got up from his seat and went over to speak to her and then returned to his seat,” the report states. “The victim stated she began crying.”

Authorities reportedly said Walker allegedly made another comment to the teen girl as she was getting off the bus. Details of the alleged conduct were not immediately released, and officials said additional information is expected in formal warrants.

Aiken Public Safety Lt. Jennifer Hayes said investigators are working to obtain those warrants, which typically provide more specific descriptions of the allegations. Walker turned himself in to authorities Friday and was served with the warrants, Hayes said. He was later released after posting a $20,000 bond.

Officials have not released further details about the circumstances of the encounter or whether additional incidents are being investigated. It was also unclear if Aiken County Public Schools continued to employ the school bus monitor.

Records show Walker has previously been arrested multiple times in Aiken County. Past charges include domestic violence in 2017, 2018, and 2023, as well as violating an order of protection in 2018. He was also charged with assault and battery in 2017, a case that resulted in a sentence of 30 days in jail or a fine. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related: New York School Bus Aide Arrested for Allegedly Abusing Children
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Related: Child Sexual Assault Charge for Colorado School Bus Driver

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Authorities in Yellowstone County are investigating after a mother reported that a 6-year-old student brought a vape device onto a school bus in Shepherd, used it and shared it with other children, reported KTVQ News.

The mother, who requested anonymity to protect her daughter’s identity, said via the news report that her child admitted to trying the vape after another student brought it on board.

“She told me, ‘Mom, I have to be honest with you. Another kid on the bus had a vape,’” the mother said. “And I was like, ‘And you tried it?’ and she was like, ‘Yeah, I did.’”

The mother told local news reporters that she immediately contacted school officials after learning of the incident, which she said had occurred days earlier without the school’s knowledge. “The next morning, I went to the school and let them know,” she said. “They didn’t know anything, and this was now day three.”

According to the news report, the Shepherd School District notified the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Mike Linder said a guardian of the child who brought the vape was initially cited for child endangerment, but that the citation has since been rescinded. The county attorney’s office is reviewing the case.

District officials reportedly declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

The incident has raised concerns among parents about young children vaping. Caroline Joyce, executive director of Parents Against Vaping, said such cases, while rare, reflect a growing trend.

“Vaping is starting to reach more elementary school-aged children,” Joyce said via the article. “These products are widely available and appealing.”

Joyce said vaping poses serious health risks and criticized marketing practices, which target youth. “Six is incredibly alarming,” she said of the child’s age. “It’s an indication of systemic failures.”

She added that addressing the issue will require more than punishment, calling for broader education and prevention efforts.

Related: Bus Driver Investigated for Vaping Inside School Bus
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Related: Amid Youth Vaping Epidemic, Prevention Efforts Begin to Target School Buses
Related: Mother Faces Charges After Allegedly Assaulting School Bus Driver

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A Georgia mother said her young daughter was found walking alone along a highway after being dropped off at the wrong school bus stop, raising concerns about student transportation safety, reported WCTV News.

According to the news report, the incident occurred in Terrell County, where a kindergartner was supposed to be dropped off at her usual stop, where her grandfather picks her up. Instead, the 6-year-old was let off about a half mile away near a trailer park along U.S. Highway 520.

A deputy reportedly responded after receiving reports of a child walking along the busy highway carrying a backpack. A Georgia State Patrol trooper and a nearby resident later located the student. Officials confirmed the child attends Cooper-Carver Elementary School.

The child’s mother Kiara Jones said via the article that her daughter was “crying and shaking” after the incident and had tried to alert the bus driver that she was at the wrong stop when she did not see her grandfather.

School officials responded immediately after learning about the situation, providing direct support to the student and her family. The district reportedly stated that the bus driver involved has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

No injuries were reported, but the situation could have been dangerous given the traffic along the highway.

The incident has prompted renewed concern about student drop-off procedures and supervision, particularly for younger children who may not be able to navigate unfamiliar areas safely.

Officials said they are working to determine how the error occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Related: Student Found Wandering Alone After Bus Drops Her at Wrong Location
Related: Illinois School Bus Driver Finds Teen Wandering Alone
Related: Rhode Island Woman Claims School Bus Monitor Tried to Drop Off Wrong Student
Related: 7-Year-Old Student Missing for Hours After Being Placed on Wrong School Bus

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Massachusetts parents are among those nationwide breathing easier after First Student and the Teamsters reached a tentative agreement, averting a nationwide school bus driver strike.

The labor deal was announced Tuesday ahead of a contract deadline and after two days of bargaining meetings.

Last week, union members voted to authorize a strike if negotiations completely broke down. The Teamsters represents more than 17,000 First Student school bus drivers nationwide, including those serving multiple districts in Massachusetts.

Union leaders said the agreement came after workers signaled they were prepared to walk off the job if necessary. The hang up had been benefits and time off. The tentative agreement is providing sronger retirement benefits, improved access to health care benefits, and robust contractual protections for all members, according to the Teamsters.

“First Student Teamsters were unified and prepared to take on this company nationwide,” Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said in a statement. “Our solidarity forced real movement at the bargaining table, and we delivered a contract in the 11th hour that honors the critical work our members do every day.”

According to the union, the tentative labor deal establishes a national framework for wages and benefits, including stronger retirement plans, improved access to health care and enhanced contractual protections. Local unions will continue negotiating additional terms, and members are expected to vote on the agreement in the coming weeks.

“This tentative agreement is the direct result of members standing shoulder to shoulder and refusing to settle for less,” said Matt Taibi, director of the Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division. “Workers showed the company they were prepared to strike if necessary, and that solidarity made the difference at the bargaining table.”

First Student confirmed the agreement in a statement to STN, calling it “a tentative agreement on a new, fair National Master First Student Agreement.” The company said the proposal will now move through the union’s ratification process with the bargaining team’s full support.

“There has been no disruption to service, and we will continue to operate as normal,” a company spokesperson said. “We appreciate the professionalism and engagement of everyone involved in reaching this milestone.”

The agreement eases concerns for families who rely on school bus service. In Massachusetts, parents had expressed concern that a strike would create significant challenges for working households with limited transportation options.

Labor Deal Avoids Parental, School Disruptions

First Student provides transportation services for several school districts across the state, among the hundreds in 40 other states. Many communities depend heavily on the company’s drivers to maintain daily school bus and classroom operations. A disruption in service could have forced families to make last-minute arrangements or keep students at home.

School officials had also warned through local news reports that even the threat of a strike added strain to an already tight transportation system. In Wayland, Superintendent David Fleishman pointed to an ongoing shortage of drivers.

“It’s challenging when there is not a strike,” Fleishman said. “We are hopeful this will be settled since kids need to be in school and school needs to be open.”

Transportation shortages have affected some districts in recent years, with fewer drivers available to cover routes. Officials said a strike would have further complicated efforts to ensure students arrive safely and on time.

Related: School Bus Strike in Connecticut Ends
Related: Iowa Bus Driver Fighting for Improved Wages, Benefits
Related: Massachusetts School Bus Contractor Sued After Driver Accused of Striking Pedestrians
Related: Massachusetts Governor Calls in National Guard Troops as School Bus Drivers

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A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System school bus traveling on a field trip crashed, resulting in at least two student fatalities.

STN received initial information about the Tennessee crash Friday, but details were limited at this report. Law enforcement officers are on scene in Carroll County, where the crash took place around noon Eastern Time.

“First and foremost, our hearts are with the families impacted by this devastating loss,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol released in a statement. A photo of the final resting position of the bus shows it at a steep angle, off the roadway.

Twenty-four students and five adults were on board the school bus at the time. Individuals were transported to the hospital, some via life-flight, while others were taken by ambulance. Two students were pronounced dead at the scene.

While the Tennessee Highway Patrol has not officially released the names of the students, online fundraisers and local media outlets identified the students as two eighth-grade girls: Zoe Davis and Arianna Pearson.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol stated via a press conference that in a preliminary crash investigation, the school bus collided with a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck and a passenger vehicle. Video of the crash shows the bus crossing the center line, veering into the other lane of traffic.

Lap/shoulder seatbelts are believed not to have been installed on the school bus. Additional information on the nature of the crash remained unknown at this time.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System posted on its website that the community is “grieving the tragic loss of two young lives. Please continue to keep these families in your heart,” the statement reads. “We continue to pray for the students and employees injured and everyone who was affected by today’s accident. The Kenwood Middle community will need our continued support, and we will share opportunities to assist families as details are confirmed.”

Officials noted that counselors will be available to support anyone in our school community and across the district who may need someone to talk to in the days ahead and for as long as needed.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County School District, First Baptist Church of Huntingdon, TN, and the numerous other law enforcement, emergency medical, and community organizations and volunteers from across the state who have provided tremendous support during this tragedy,” the statement continued.

The article was updated to indicate the crash did not take place during Spring Break. It will continue to be updated as more information is available. 

Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated
Related: Tennessee Bill Would Lower Minimum Age for School Bus Drivers to 21
Related: Tennessee School Bus Bursts Into Flames Moments After Children Evacuated

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LOS ANGELES, Calif.—HopSkipDrive, the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation, today released its seventh annual Safety Report. The data reveals that in 2025, 99.7% of rides were completed without a safety concern of any kind—a consistent benchmark maintained even as the company doubled its partner network to serve over 2,000 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits nationwide.

To date, HopSkipDrive remains the first and only company in the student transportation industry to proactively publish comprehensive safety data annually, reporting on not just collisions or accidents but on all safety incidents, including interpersonal and behavioral concerns. The 2025 report reveals a 99.99% accident-free record and a 0.000% critical safety incident rate—benchmarks supported by a track record of over 130 million safe miles driven since the company’s founding.

This vast experience includes a deep commitment to specialized populations, having safely facilitated nearly 3 million rides for youth in foster care and 1.7 million rides for students with IEPs. These results, driven by more than 50 proactive safety products, features and initiatives—underscore a safety-first approach that extends to millions more rides for students in Career and Technical Education, General Education, after-school activities, and extracurriculars. This record is made possible by HopSkipDrive’s industry-leading technology, rigorous regulatory oversight, and direct relationships with CareDrivers, which together enable the sector’s most responsive turnaround times and a sophisticated, data-driven standard of care.

“Safety has never been a secondary checklist item for us. The need for safe transportation is a core reason HopSkipDrive exists,” said Joanna McFarland, CEO and Co-founder. “Since day one, we’ve led the industry by staying ahead of the curve, constantly innovating the specialized care we provide to the children and families who depend on us. In 2025, we demonstrated our ability to significantly scale our impact while maintaining a near-perfect safety record. This data reflects the tireless work of our team and CareDrivers, who lead with a simple, personal standard: ‘What would it take to put our own children in this car?’

This results-driven culture ensures that as we get bigger, we also get better, safer, and more inclusive. But we’re never done when it comes to safety. Every mile driven is an opportunity to improve and innovate and ensure every child arrives at school safe and ready to learn.”

Key product developments from 2025
To maintain this record while scaling, HopSkipDrive introduced several key product developments in 2025:

● Achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance, making HopSkipDrive the first and only supplemental student transportation platform to achieve this high-level security attestation for data and privacy.
● Nationwide specialty transportation expansion, which scales wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) and Rider Assistant support to districts across the country.
● Specialized driver education, featuring a neurodiversity-focused curriculum developed with child development experts to support students with diverse sensory and behavioral needs.
● Qualitative video screening, a new addition to the 15-point CareDriver certification process designed to evaluate situational judgment and empathy.
● Enhanced “Must Be Met” protocols, which provide a vital safety net by requiring specific verification for safe student handoffs to authorized adults.
● Caregiver Great Start Program, a proactive outreach initiative designed to ensure 100% of eligible families are equipped with safety protocols and ride-tracking features before their first trip.
● Dedicated rider supportline, providing students with direct text or call access to the Safe Ride Support team for autonomy and peace of mind.
● Advanced CareDriver qualifications, a verified in-app system ensuring rides requiring specialized training or equipment are only matched with expert CareDrivers.

Key roadmaps and launches in 2026
As we move into 2026, HopSkipDrive continues to evolve its platform with marquee offerings focused on inclusive technology and enhanced oversight through advanced recording.
● Track My Ride is a new feature that allows riders to monitor their own journeys via secure, masked SMS links. By providing real-time visibility without requiring a smartphone app, we’ve ensured inclusive access for students using wearables, smartwatches, or school- or government-issued devices.
● Ride Recording: In-App enhances our safety offering by providing a secure, integrated audio and visual recording system within the CareDriver app to complement our existing hardware-powered dashcams. This approach allows for encrypted oversight that is automatically wiped from driver devices after the ride to ensure student privacy. It also enables network-wide across all HopSkipDrive markets, which will include 100% of rides this Fall.

Safety is more than just data points; it’s about understanding the unique needs of the children in HopSkipDrive rides. Our Safety Advisory Council provides us with an externally led expert framework that informs our end-to-end safety protocols. By integrating child development and mental health expertise, we ensure our operational standards are grounded in a human-centric understanding of student well-being, providing a level of care that technology alone cannot achieve.

The complete 2025 Safety Report demonstrates HopSkipDrive’s ongoing commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. In the coming weeks, the company will introduce additional 2026 initiatives, further raising the bar for safety standards across the industry.

About HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is the leader in safe, fast, and simple supplemental student transportation. Modernizing the $30 billion school transportation industry through its care-centered transportation marketplace which supplements school buses by connecting kids to highly-vetted caregivers on wheels, such as grandparents, babysitters, and nurses in local communities.

HopSkipDrive also offers its industry-leading transportation intelligence platform, RouteWise AI, to address critical challenges, including budget cuts, bus driver shortages, and reaching climate goals. With this technology, HopSkipDrive has supported over 14,500 schools and over 2,000 school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit partners. Since its founding in 2014 by three working mothers, HopSkipDrive has surpassed more than 100 million safe miles driven. This record includes nearly 3 million foster and McKinney-Vento rides and 1.7 million Individualized Education Program (IEP) rides, alongside millions of additional trips for General Education, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and extracurricular activities.

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Police arrested a 71-year-old school bus driver in Florida and charged him with lascivious molestation after a 9-year-old student reported inappropriate behavior during a school bus ride.

According to the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, the case began March 4, when a school resource deputy received a report about concerning behavior involving a bus driver. The school bus driver allegedly asked a 9-year-old student to lift her dress while she was riding a school bus.

Deputies immediately launched a preliminary investigation. According to the press release, investigators gathered additional information during follow-up interviews that prompted the case to be referred to the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division for further review.

Authorities identified the suspect as Edwin Garcia of Port St. Lucie. Following the investigation, Garcia was arrested and charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under the age of 12 by an offender 18 years of age or older, officials said.

Garcia was transported to the St. Lucie County Jail for processing. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active, and anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact authorities.

Related: Former Georgia School Bus Monitor Charged After Alleged Student Assault
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Former Arizona School Bus Driver Arrested on Child Molestation Charges

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There were many thoughtful celebrations during Love the Bus Month in February from school districts and transportation companies across North America that recognized their student transportation staff with events and gifts highlighted via social media posts.

Scroll through this year’s gallery for a glimpse of the festivities.

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Related: WATCH: West Virginia Highlights School Bus Inspection for Love the Bus Month
Related: Update: Love the Bus Month Underway, NAPT Seeks Recognition Year-Round
Related: Gallery: Love the Bus Month 2025 Celebrations

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A former school bus monitor in Grady County in southwest Georgia is facing a simple battery charge following allegations that she assaulted a student with autism while on duty, reported WALB News.

The alleged student assault occurred Feb. 12 at Eastside Elementary School in Cairo, Georgia.

The school’s resource officer along with another witness reviewed surveillance footage from the school bus. The officer reportedly stated that the video showed the bus monitor pinching the child and “striking him in the face with what appeared to be a bag.”

The child’s mother said she was notified to come to the school and discovered a bruise on her son when she arrived. She said her child, who is on the autism spectrum, was able to communicate what happened during the student assault on the school bus ride.

“I felt like I needed to speak out to protect my son,” the mother said via the article.

Grady County Schools confirmed that the school bus monitor involved is no longer employed by the district.

Authorities said the former school employee was charged with simple battery. The school resource officer indicated officials are working toward making an arrest as the investigation continues.

Related: Connecticut School Bus Driver Charged After Alleged Failure to Stop Assaults
Related: Former School Bus Monitor Indicted on Child Molestation Charges
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related: Former Massachusetts School Bus Driver Facing Charges of Sexual Assault

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When East Aurora School District 131 faced growing transportation challenges, the district turned to an unexpected solution. By partnering with First Student’s First Alt^®, East Aurora transitioned away from using taxis and cabs and implemented a safer, more reliable alternative for students who need it most.

In this webinar, you’ll hear directly from Gladys De Lucio, Director of Transportation at East Aurora, and Leon Fornelli, AGM at First Alt, as they share how the district:

• Built on its existing partnership with First Student to expand into alternative transportation.
• Leveraged FirstView^® and Samsara technology to improve visibility, tracking, and communication for schools and families.
• Met the needs of one of Illinois’ largest Spanish-speaking communities with bilingual dispatchers who provide trusted communication with parents in their native language.

Join us to discover how East Aurora created a student-first transportation model that improved efficiency, strengthened family trust, and set a new standard for safe, consistent rides.

Brought to you by First Student

REGISTER BELOW:

Presenters:

Gladys De Lucio
Director of Transportation
East Aurora School District 131

Gladys De Lucio is the Director of Transportation for East Aurora School District 131, one of Illinois’ largest Spanish-speaking districts. With 21 years of experience in school transportation, she oversees daily operations with a strong focus on safety, bus stop planning, and community engagement. De Lucio leads both traditional bus services and alternative transportation programs, working closely with bilingual dispatch teams to support non-English-speaking families. Her deep commitment to equitable access ensures that every student has reliable transit to and from school. She holds a degree from Robert Morris University–Illinois.

Leon Fornelli
Area General Manager of Alternative Transportation
First Alt^®

Leon Fornelli, MBA, is the Area General Manager of Alternative Transportation at First Alt^®, where he leads inclusive student transportation programs across nine states. A seasoned leader in education logistics, Fornelli develops and scales operations from the ground up, always with safety, equity, and innovation in mind. He’s deeply committed to increasing access, amplifying parent and community engagement, and building systems that meet diverse student needs, including non-traditional routes and support. Fornelli also champions technology integration and workforce development in transportation services.

The post (Free Webinar) From Taxis to Trusted Rides: East Aurora’s Student Transportation Transformation appeared first on School Transportation News.