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Iredell-Statesville Schools look to add more training for bus drivers

By Brittney Johnson, wsoctv.com
By Brittney Johnson, wsoctv.com

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — The Iredell-Statesville school district added training and changed some rules after a bus driver left a student in a random neighborhood in March.

Since then, Channel 9 has learned bus drivers have complained about students walking around and being disruptive when they're trying to drive safely. The district is giving them more training on how to deal with bad behavior on the bus.

[PAST COVERAGE: Boy knocks on stranger’s door after being dropped off at random bus stop] 

Assistant Superintendent of Operations Richard Armstrong said the district recently reprimanded another driver who missed a stop and dropped off a student 200 yards away.

"We've had things where we've dropped the ball," Armstrong said.

Both incidents have forced the district to add more training and support for drivers. Armstrong said many are overwhelmed by rowdy bus riders.

"Just being disrespectful, walking around," Armstrong added.

Armstrong said for some drivers morale is at an all-time low.

"They're paying more attention to what's going on behind them, than what's going on in front of them," Armstrong said. "It doesn't take but a split second to have a driver distracted and that bus is in an accident.

Armstrong said the new training will reinforce the proper methods for handling disruptive children safely.

Despite the need, Channel 9 learned the training is not mandatory because the district can't afford to pay all of the drivers to attend.

But they said they need drivers and parents to commit to doing their part to keep kids in line.

The district asked roughly 300 bus drivers to take an online course on behavior and discipline on May 3.

Next school year the district is changing the disciplinary rules. Students of all ages will face the same consequences for bad behavior on the bus.

Maria Sanchez, the driver arrested for leaving a child in the random neighborhood, is due back in court in May. She is facing a misdemeanor child abuse charge.

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