Authorities in Ashby, Massachusetts, are investigating an alleged assault of a student by a school bus driver. Video footage shows the bus driver physically handling the student, prompting North Middlesex Regional School District Superintendent Brad Morgan to express horror at the incident. Despite no reported injuries, the driver, a 64-year-old Ashby man, is facing a summons from Ashby police. Dee Bus Services confirmed that the driver no longer works for the company and stated their lack of tolerance for such behavior, cooperating with the investigation. Morgan emphasized that the bus driver went too far by putting his hands on the student in a manner that did not appear to be for safety reasons.
The incident occurred as the bus was dropping off students after school in Ashby, following classes at Hawthorne Middle School in Townsend. According to the video, the driver pulled over, instructed the student to move, and then proceeded to physically engage with the student, resulting in the student losing balance in the aisle. The student’s father, who was extremely upset, reported the incident to authorities. Amanda-Lee Gross, the mother of two daughters who had been driven by the same bus driver for years, expressed concern about the distractions caused by rowdy behavior on the bus but also noted that children should be held accountable by parents. However, Morgan stressed that a student’s behavior does not justify a bus driver physically intervening.
Morgan emphasized that the only reason for an adult to put their hands on a student should be for safety concerns, which did not seem to be the case in this incident. He discussed the situation with the student’s father, who was understandably upset by what had occurred. Gross recalled her daughters mentioning the bus driver pulling over due to rowdy behavior in the past, expressing fears about potential accidents resulting from distractions. However, Morgan reiterated that regardless of student behavior, it is not acceptable for a bus driver to resort to physical contact. The circumstances of the incident are still under investigation, and authorities are working to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
In response to the incident, Dee Bus Services reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for such behavior and thanked authorities for their assistance in the investigation. The company acknowledged that the alleged actions of the driver were unacceptable and stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety and security of students. The driver in question, who has not been publicly identified, is no longer employed by Dee Bus Services, and further disciplinary actions may be taken pending the outcome of the investigation. Authorities are continuing to gather information and statements related to the incident, with the ultimate goal of preventing similar incidents and maintaining a safe environment for students traveling on school buses.
Parents and community members have expressed concern and outrage over the incident, calling for accountability and transparency in the investigation. Superintendent Brad Morgan has assured families that the school district is taking the matter seriously and working closely with law enforcement to address the situation. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all students feel safe and respected while traveling on school buses. As the investigation progresses, both authorities and school officials are committed to keeping the community informed and taking appropriate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Discussions about student behavior and bus safety protocols are ongoing, with a focus on promoting a culture of respect and responsibility among all passengers on school buses.
