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
Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Florida School Bus Attendant Arrested for Inappropriate Behavior with Young Girls
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
Related: 9-Year-Old Arrested for Bringing Loaded Gun onto Florida School Bus
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.

The post HopSkipDrive Releases Seventh Annual Safety Report Highlighting 2025 Data appeared first on School Transportation News.

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

The post School Bus Driver Arrested for Allegedly Asking Student to Hike Skirt appeared first on School Transportation News.

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.

1 of 80

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

The post Gallery: Recap Love the Bus Month 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

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

The post Former Georgia School Bus Monitor Charged After Alleged Student Assault appeared first on School Transportation News.

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.

Gregg Prettyman
Vice President
First Alt^®

As Vice President of First Alt^®, Gregg Prettyman brings more than 13 years of leadership in alternative student transportation and is recognized as one of the original architects of the alternative transportation model. Before joining First Student, Prettyman served as Chief Operating Officer at ALC Schools, where he supported over 400 district contracts across 20 states, and oversaw more than 10,000 student trips each day. Today, he leads a team with over 50 years of combined experience, all focused on helping districts deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective transportation for students with unique needs.

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

Attorneys for the Palm Beach County School Board argued in court last month that a student with autism who was a victim of sexual assault on a school bus at age 3 and a half did not suffer long-lasting trauma as a result of the attack, a claim strongly disputed by a medical expert testifying for the child’s family, reported The Palm Beach Post.

During testimony Thursday, Miami psychiatrist Dr. Michael Hughes told jurors the sexual assault had a profound and enduring impact on the girl, now 9, affecting her emotional development, learning ability and overall quality of life. Hughes rejected the school board’s assertion that the child’s ongoing difficulties stem solely from pre-existing developmental disabilities.

“The younger the child, the greater the impact of the trauma,” Hughes testified via the article, adding that early childhood experiences play a critical role in long-term development. He explained that the girl’s silence about the January 2007 sexual assault does not indicate a lack of memory or harm.

The girl was riding a school bus carrying special-needs students of varying ages when she was assaulted by a 15-year-old “emotionally disturbed boy.” The school district does not dispute that the assault occurred. Instead, its attorneys argue the district should not be held financially responsible for years of therapy and specialized education. It says the therapy is unrelated to the incident.

According to the news report, Hughes testified that the attack caused the child to withdraw from the world, stunting her curiosity and learning. He noted that adults on the school bus, the driver and a bus aide, failed to protect or comfort her, reinforcing a sense of fear and helplessness.

According to Hughes, the girl’s academic progress has significantly declined. Now in fourth grade, she is reportedly completing preschool-level work. Her I.Q. score dropped from 77 to 67 between first and third grade, placing her in the borderline intellectually disabled range.

“She’s not plateauing — she’s falling further behind,” Hughes said, recommending extensive therapy and specialized education as her only chance at achieving a functional adult life.

School board attorney Thomas McCausland reportedly challenged Hughes’ conclusions, arguing that fluctuations in I.Q. scores are common and can be influenced by factors such as fatigue or nutrition. McCausland also questioned whether the child’s behavior toward Hughes, allowing him to hug her and kiss her forehead, was consistent with someone who views the world as threatening.

Earlier testimony from the girl’s parents described behavioral changes following the sexual assault, including aggression toward toys and family members and rejection of traditionally feminine clothing. McCausland reportedly countered that some of these behaviors predated the incident and suggested that conflicts with her half-brother stem from competitive video gaming.

Jurors appeared engaged, with one asking the father how the girl behaved immediately after the assault. He testified she exited the bus “like an ordinary child.”

The alleged assailant, now 21, was deemed incompetent to stand trial and refused to testify, invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. The bus aide, Grenisha Williams, was fired and later convicted of child neglect. Jurors were shown video footage from the bus, which captured the boy’s movements during the sexual assault, though the girl was not visible due to her size.

Cross-examination of Dr. Hughes is expected to continue as the trial proceeds.

Related: Sexual Assault on School Transportation Vehicles: A Call for Action
Related: Texas Student Arrested Following Alleged Sexual Assault on School Bus
Related: Maryland School Bus Aid Charged with Sexual Assault
Related: Missouri Parent Boards School Bus, Tells Child to Assault Another Student

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Chronic absenteeism remains a significant challenge for school districts, even as student transportation needs continue to grow more complex. Changes in student mobility, specialized services, workforce limitations, and ongoing budget pressures have made transportation planning increasingly difficult, affecting even districts with mature, well-functioning bus systems.

In this session, transportation expert Greg Jackson and a district practitioner will discuss three student-centered transportation strategies districts are using to help support consistent attendance in a rapidly shifting landscape. Drawing from real district experiences, the conversation will highlight how transportation teams and district leaders are responding to new demands, collaborating across departments, and making intentional tradeoffs to preserve both student access and operational stability.

Three Key Strategies

• Viewing Transportation Through an Attendance Lens
  How districts are connecting reliability and on-time service to student attendance, and identifying where transportation decisions may unintentionally contribute to chronic absenteeism.
• Engaging Earlier in the Process
  Why districts are reconsidering when and how transportation teams participate in IEP planning, placement changes, and housing transitions, and the downstream impact when that engagement happens too late.
• Strengthening Governance and Communication
  How clearer leadership alignment, stronger documentation, and more effective cross-team communication are helping districts manage frequent student changes while minimizing delays and compliance risk.

Brought to you by EverDriven

REGISTER BELOW:

Speakers:

Greg Jackson
General Manager, Busing
EverDriven

Greg Jackson served as the executive director of transportation and fleet services for Jefferson County School District in Colorado for a decade. One of the largest districts in the state, Jackson oversaw 750 vehicles, 257 bus routes, 305 drivers, and four bus terminals, ensuring that nearly 14,000 students were safely transported to and from school and activities. The district benefited from Jackson’s charismatic leadership style and ability to build relationships with stakeholders, families, and vendors.

Prior to this position, he served as a transportation director, terminal manager, supervisor, and fleet coordinator across multiple districts and companies, providing him with unique insight into all facets of transportation. His experience includes knowledge about legislation and law concerning student safety, budgetary requirements, and best practices.

Jim Ellis
Director of Pupil Transportation
Henrico County Public Schools

Jim Ellis is a respected leader in pupil transportation with more than three decades of experience in public education operations. A NAPT-certified Director of Pupil Transportation since 2008, Ellis has served in key leadership roles across Virginia and North Carolina, including President of the North Carolina Pupil Transportation Association. Since 2020, Ellis has served as Director of Pupil Transportation for Henrico County Public Schools, where he has led operational improvements, safety enhancements, and innovative practices to better serve students and families.

The post (Free Webinar) 3 Student-Centric Transportation Strategies to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism appeared first on School Transportation News.

Investigators say surveillance video shows a school bus aide repeatedly physically abusing a 10-year-old student with disabilities while the bus driver watched and, at times, laughed.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests on Jan. 30, following a child abuse investigation that began in mid-November, after a witness reported seeing a school bus aide strike the boy while parked at Caminiti Exceptional School.

According to investigators, video capture Juanita Wright, 79, a school bus monitor for Hillsborough County Public Schools, striking the minimally verbal student diagnosed with autism and ADHD on 14 separate days between Oct. 2 and Nov. 14, Authorities say the footage shows Wright hitting the boy in the head and on his back, pulling him by the hair, and wresting his backpack away as he remained seated.

Wright was charged with 14 counts of child abuse. The bus driver, Tonya Rice-Constant, 62, is charged with failure to report child abuse. Prosecutors allege she saw the abuse, did not intervene, and at least once appeared to smile or laugh while watching the incidents in her rear-view mirror.

Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the conduct as “a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing,” calling it “an inexcusable betrayal of trust” when adults entrusted with a child’s welfare cause harm and fail to act. Deputies reviewed internal school bus video and identified multiple incidents before the report was made.

The investigation remains active to determine if additional victims exist.

“A defenseless child was physically abused by someone entrusted with their care, while another adult failed to intervene and instead laughed,” Chronister said. “It is an inexcusable betrayal of trust and a profound lack of humanity.”

In a statement shared by local media, the district said Wright was hired in 2012, removed from duty in November after the allegations surfaced, and later fired. Rice-Constant retired from the district in November, when the investigation into the alleged child abuse began. Both cases will proceed through the court system as authorities continue to investigate.

Related: Florida School Bus Aide Arrested on Child Abuse Charge
Related: Former Colorado School Bus Aide Pleads Guilty to Abusing At-Risk Students
Related: Virginia School Bus Aide Arrested for Alleged Assault
Related:Teacher’s Aide Arrested After Firearm Recovered from Student on W.V. School Bus

The post Florida School Bus Aide Accused of Child Abuse in Ongoing Beating appeared first on School Transportation News.

Horrific video shows the moments before a school bus struck 11-year-old Amira Aminova as she ran across a Brooklyn street after buying chocolate at a bodega.

Police reportedly arrested Wawa Aurelus, 62, the school bus driver who hit Aminova but did not stop at the scene. He was arrested Friday, according to multiple news reports, following the incident that occurred shortly after school let out at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Bath Beach neighborhood.

Aurelus was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care, both misdemeanors, according to the New York Times.

The video shows Aminova standing on the corner of Bath Ave. at 23rd Ave. and proceeding to cross the street, apparently with seconds remaining on the red-flashing countdown pedestrian signal. As Aminova starts to run across the street, the school bus is seen coming into view heading south on 23rd Ave. and instigating a right-hand turn onto Bath Ave. The bus never stops, and the video cuts out right before it hits the sixth grader.

Aminova was at least the fifth student pedestrian killed this school year nationwide by a school bus, according to School Transportation News research.

State Sen. Steve Chan, a former NYPD officer, represents the 17th district that comprises part of South Brooklyn. He told STN he does not understand how Aurelus did not realize he struck Aminova and continued his route.

“Spending 27 years as a police officer, I’ve seen many accidents involving school buses, tractor trailers and small trucks. Often, a driver will not know when they hit someone in the leg or brushed up against their body. However, in this particular case, I’ve reviewed video tape of the incident from start to finish. This bus driver should have known that he rolled over a person or something,” Chan wrote in an email Saturday. “If he had looked into the rear or side view mirror, he would have seen her on the ground. The intersection was clear and visibility was good. The roadway was dry and flat. The snow built up in the corners was not a factor. There were no other drivers or pedestrians in this intersection. The pedestrian was crossing with the crosswalk and a green light. She did break into a sprint. However, the bus driver had a clear line of sight at the intersection.

“As far as I can tell, this tragedy is the result of complete driver inattention,” he continued. “Of course, I know most school bus drivers are dedicated individuals who help our community every day. But I must ask everyone to use extra caution, especially when making a turn.”

Police later located Aurelus, an employee of Consolidated Bus Service, and took him to the 62nd Precinct for questioning, reported CBS New York. Chan posted on Facebook the driver was detained “a short distance away” from the scene of the collision.

Consolidated Bus Service had not responded to an email seeking comment at this report.

An investigation by the NYPD fatal collision unit continues. A GoFundMe page was set up for Aminova’s mother to help cover funeral and burial costs in Uzbekistan. She immigrated with her daughter to the U.S. several years ago.

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A 5-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a school bus in Rockland County, New York, reported CBS News.

According to the news report, the crash happened around 8:35 a.m. in the Village of New Square. Police said preliminary evidence indicates the school bus struck the child and then run over him.

The boywas rushed to Westchester County Medical Center, where officials said they were pronounced dead at approximately 12:15 p.m. The child’s name has not been released.

Investigators said the school bus driver did not initially realize the child had been struck and continued driving until being flagged down, at which point the driver returned to the scene.

The Ramapo Police Crash Investigation Unit responded and is reportedly conducting an extensive investigation, which involves coordination with partner agencies, interviews, scene measurements, data analysis, and vehicle inspections.

Police told local news reporters that the bus company is cooperating with the investigation, and the vehicle will be inspected by the New York State Department of Transportation.

No charges or additional details have been announced as the investigation remains ongoing.

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New details emerged from an incident involving a student with a handgun while riding a school bus in Kanawha County, West Virginia that led to a teacher’s aide also being arrested, reported Metro News.

St. Albans Police Department officers were called on Jan. 21 after a student at Hayes Middle School was discovered with a handgun on his school bus around 3:15 p.m. A school employee who was on board the bus confiscated the weapon and turned it over to school officials.

Police said the juvenile was later released into the custody of a guardian, who indicated they had no knowledge the student possessed a firearm. Authorities also revealed the handgun had been reported stolen the night before the incident.

As the investigation continued, police then arrested Heather Dawn Sherrod, 46, of St. Albans, a teacher’s aide at Hayes Middle School. Sherrod was charged with failing to report a firearm and was taken into custody.

A criminal complaint was filed in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Investigators learned that Sherrod was informed by a student around 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 21 that a handgun had been pointed at another student. Police allege that despite being a mandated reporter, Sherrod did not report the incident. The complaint states Sherrod admitted she knew she was required to report the information but failed to do so.

Sherrod is currently being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $2,500 bond. The St. Albans Police Department continues to work closely with the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation remains ongoing.

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Authorities in Elk River, Minnesota are investigating how a man abducted a 7-year-old girl from her school bus stop.

According to a statement from the Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office, the child exited her school bus just before 4 p.m. last Wednesday and was reported missing at approximately 6:30 p.m. An extensive search resulted in no information about her whereabouts.

Investigators later determined that the girl had likely been abducted. “An extensive search by law enforcement, first responders and the public didn’t reveal her whereabouts, and investigators had no corroboration that she had potentially left the area in a vehicle until hours later,” said Sherbourne County Sheriff’s Office Commander Ben Zawacki.

The sheriff’s office issue an Amber Alert at 11:40 p.m., after authorities confirmed the abduction. The investigation led officials to a white Dodge Ram believed to be connected to the disappearance. Around 1 a.m. Thursday, law enforcement agencies located the suspect vehicle and found the 7-year-old girl inside.

“The girl was safe and the suspect was arrested,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Joseph Bragg, 28, was charged in connection with the child’s abduction. No additional details about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the incident have been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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A routine ride home from school last month quickly turned into a moment of heroism when a Sand Springs school bus made an unexpected stop after the driver experienced a medical emergency. Thanks to the quick-thinking of a 9-year-old student, help arrived promptly and all students remained safe, reported News on 6.

It was a normal school bus ride for fourth-grader Kane Lee was until he noticed something was wrong. After the bus driver pulled over, Kane walked to the front of the vehicle and immediately realized the driver was unable to speak and needed help.

“She couldn’t talk, and I could tell by her face and stuff that she needed me to call someone,” Kane told local news reporters. “So, I called 911.”

Despite feeling scared, Kane stayed by the driver’s side until emergency responders arrived. “I didn’t want her to, like, pass out when I went back to my seat,” he said.

Kane also reportedly helped manage the situation inside the bus, comforting younger, frightened students alarmed by the sudden stop.

“Little kids were scared, so I gave them hugs,” he said. “Some of my other friends was quieting people down.”

All the students were safe, and a replacement bus driver arrived to complete the route. While the district had not released details about the original bus driver’s condition at this report, officials said they notified parents about the incident and praised the students for their calm and responsible actions.

District leaders specifically commended Kane for his bravery and presence of mind during the emergency.

“I just felt good that I could help,” Kane told local news reporters.

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A Tampa-area school bus aide has been arrested after authorities say he struck a 9-year-old student with autism multiple times during a bus ride.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded Jan. 9 shortly after 3 p.m. to Cypress Creek Elementary School in Ruskin following a report of possible child abuse. Investigators said the child’s mother reported that her son, who is nonverbal and has autism, may have been abused while on the school bus.

Deputies identified the suspect as James Savage, 79, a school bus aide for Hillsborough County School District. Investigators allege that Savage on at least one occasion struck the child on the hand and slapped him in the face with a hat. Interior bus video footage shows Savage smacking the top of the student’s hand before removing his hat and using it to slap the left side of the child’s face.

The school bus aide was arrested and now faces a charge of child abuse

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting children in school settings.

“Any form of abuse against a child is completely unacceptable,” Chronister said in a statement. “Children deserve to feel safe at all times, especially in the care of those entrusted with their well-being. Protecting our most vulnerable is a responsibility we will never take lightly, and those who violate that trust will face the consequences.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Officials did not release additional details about the incident or whether further charges could be filed.

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New Jersey police arrested a man alleged to have thrown a rock that seriously injured an 8-year-old girl aboard a school bus in Bergen County, reported Jpost News.

Police took Hernando Garcia Morales, 40, into custody following an investigation into multiple rock-throwing incidents in the area. Morales is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, resisting arrest by flight, and hindering apprehension.

The most serious incident occurred Wednesday as a school bus transporting third-grade students from the Yeshivat Noam Jewish school exited the New Jersey Turnpike. Police said the thrown rock shattered a bus window and struck the young girl, which fractured her skull. The child’s condition remained unknown at this report following hospitalization.

Law enforcement and school officials said there is currently no known motive behind the attack and would not refer to it as a hate crime at this report. Authorities emphasized the bus did not have markings identifying it as a school bus or as belonging to a Jewish school. School officials urged caution against speculation and continued working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation, which is ongoing.

The arrest followed reports of similar rock-throwing incidents in Bergen County, which investigators linked to Morales.

“Throwing stones at vehicles is not harmless mischief. It is a violent act that can maim or kill,” said Phil Rosen, chair of the World Jewish Congress American Section. “When an object is hurled at a bus full of children, the intent is to cause fear and injury. That is terror, and it must be condemned clearly and without qualification.”

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