Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools bus driver investigated after child left on bus
A Liberty Elementary student was left on a Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus Tuesday after all other students had already been dropped off at the school.
“The driver failed to perform the thorough inspection required by CMCSS policy after each trip,” said Anthony Johnson, CMCSS communications director. “A CMCSS transportation maintenance employee noticed the child was still on the bus after the driver drove away and returned him to school. The child’s parents were contacted to inform them of the situation.”
There have been no safety complaints or incidents against the bus driver, who has been employed by the school district for three years. Pending the outcome of the investigation, the driver has been reassigned to another job and the route has been assigned to a new driver.
Johnson said he could not recall an incident in which a child was left on a CMCSS bus during his four years in office.
Since the 2006/2007 school year, CMCSS buses have been equipped with the “Bus Scan Alert Child Checker” alarm system, which is deactivated by the bus driver as soon as he or she has confirmed that the bus is empty.
Before transporting students, drivers must complete the CMCSS Driver Training Program with a CMCSS trainer and obtain a CDL license. Training continues annually and includes state continuing education requirements and required recertifications, while following the CMCSS School Bus Driver Procedure and the CMCSS Child Safety Bus Scan Alarm System Policy.
As a result of this incident, CMCSS is working on additional training.
“The CMCSS Transportation Department works with its instructors and lead drivers to ensure that all drivers are reminded of the district’s safety policies and procedures and are aware of their responsibility to ensure that no child is left unattended, which they confirm after training,” Johnson said.
Kenya Anderson is a reporter for The Leaf-Chronicle.
