School Bus Driver Walks Away From Job Mid-Route

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A school bus driver who had had enough, stopped his bus and walked away, in the middle of driving children home from school, according to school officials.

"A bus driver this afternoon became overwhelmed, stopped the bus and walked away," Albert Leonard Middle School Principal Camille Thomas-Edwards told families in a message dated September 29. "This is in clear violation of protocol and procedure. This was entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The security monitor stayed with the children on the bus. Our Assistant Principal, Mr. Lucero, boarded the bus with three security monitors to see the children home safely. The bus company is aware of the driver's actions and is addressing the situation with that individual."

The administrator went on to remind parents about appropriate school bus behavior.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you to talk with your children about the importance of behaving properly on the bus and respecting the bus security monitors directives," Thomas-Edwards wrote. "The safety of our students is of paramount importance, and we all have a role to play in keeping our children safe. We're all in this together. Let's make sure everyone returns safely home from school."

The full text of the message from Thomas-Edwards to parents can be read below:

Dear Albert Leonard School Community,

I write to inform you about an incident this afternoon involving a bus transporting our students home from school and to ask for your partnership in making sure our students understand the importance of bus behavior and safety.

A bus driver this afternoon became overwhelmed, stopped the bus and walked away. This is in clear violation of protocol and procedure. This was entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The security monitor stayed with the children on the bus. Our Assistant Principal, Mr. Lucero, boarded the bus with three security monitors to see the children home safely. The bus company is aware of the driver's actions and is addressing the situation with that individual.

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you to talk with your children about the importance of behaving properly on the bus and respecting the bus security monitors directives. The safety of our students is of paramount importance, and we all have a role to play in keeping our children safe. We're all in this together. Let's make sure everyone returns safely home from school.

As always, please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Sincerely,

Camille Thomas-Edwards

Principal