NORFOLK — Chief James Barrett and Superintendent Dr. Ingrid Allardi report that the Norfolk Police Department is investigating an incident involving a school bus transporting students to the Freeman-Kennedy School and H. Olive Day School that occurred Wednesday morning.
During the ride, the bus driver, who is employed by W.T. Holmes Transportation, allegedly operated the vehicle in an unsafe manner, engaged in distracted driving, and used inappropriate language that does not reflect the district’s expectations for student interactions.
Once school officials were notified about the incident after students arrived at school, administrators immediately contacted the School Resource Officer with the Norfolk Police Department, who began an investigation.
The driver will no longer be operating a bus for Norfolk Public Schools. The specific bus has been assigned a new driver.
All families with students assigned to the bus were notified of the situation through a letter from the school. In addition, school administrators directly contacted the parents and guardians of students who were on the bus when the driver exhibited distracted driving.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our students,” said Superintendent Allardi. “We take any situation involving student safety seriously and address concerns right away to make sure our students feel safe and supported at school and on their way to and from school.”
As a result of the investigation, the Norfolk Police Department will file an application for criminal complaint in Wrentham District Court on Thursday charging the driver with multiple driving violations and other offenses related to his conduct.
Because the court has not yet issued a criminal complaint, the individual’s identity cannot be released at this time.
“The Norfolk Police Department takes every report concerning student safety very seriously,” said Chief Barrett. “We are working with the school to review the situation and will follow the proper legal procedures as the case moves forward.”
School staff met with students Wednesday afternoon to provide support and answer questions. Staff members also rode the bus during dismissal on Wednesday and will also do so on Thursday to make sure students feel safe and supported.
This incident remains under investigation by the Norfolk Police Department.
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