Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. A bus driver contracted by the Charleston County School District has been fired following an examination into his interactions with multiple middle school kids.
According to a Mount Pleasant Police Department report, on Sept. 3, the principal of Laing Middle School notified the school’s resource officer of text messages exchanged by the bus driver to a sixth-grade student.
The driver, who was not identified in the report, allegedly drove the student’s bus in elementary school. According to the complaint, once the pupil entered middle school, the bus driver began contacting them and showing up at school.
During a discussion with police and school authorities, the student’s parents stated that the driver had attended some extracurricular events, including a school play and the student’s fifth-grade graduation ceremony, “without being invited by the family,” according to the report.
Following the ceremony, the bus driver allegedly showed up at their house and requested a photo of him and the pupil from the ceremony, which the parents refused.
According to the investigation, a second student claimed receiving text messages and visits to class from the driver.
First Student, the district’s driver supplier, confirmed to News 2 that the bus driver has been terminated and that they are assisting with the inquiry.
“At first, student, our number one priority is the safety of our students, employees, and the communities we serve,” according to a statement issued on Sept. 18. “The driver has been terminated.” We will continue to assist the Mount Pleasant Police Department with its ongoing investigation and, as such, are unable to speak further.”
A CCSD spokeswoman indicated that the district is “deeply concerned” about the alleged event and is working with First Student to ensure drivers adhere to appropriate standards.
“The conduct described does not reflect the standards we expect of anyone who serves our students,” according to a statement. “As soon as CCSD received this information, we took quick action: the driver was removed off duty, and First Student terminated the individual’s job. We continue to work closely with First Student to ensure that every driver entrusted with our children meets the highest standards of safety and conduct.”
According to district officials, several parents are advocating for the driver’s reinstatement, citing him as a community pillar.
No charges had been brought as of Thursday afternoon, but the inquiry is still underway.
