The Buses

Negligent Bus Service at Indian Creek School: Endangering Children’s Safety

At Indian Creek School (ICS), cost-cutting measures compromised the safety of the students, particularly through the operation of its bus service. Instead of employing professional drivers with valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) who were subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, ICS opted to employ unqualified and unfit individuals to drive students. This dangerous decision, taken in the name of saving money, placed the lives of children at risk.

One such example is JW, a sickly bus driver employed by ICS despite her deteriorating health. JW regularly transported students, although her health made it unsafe for her to do so. Tragically, JW passed away immediately after finishing work one day, highlighting the severity of her condition and raising serious questions about the school’s judgment in allowing her to drive students.

Another unqualified driver employed by ICS was Todd Kerr, a known marijuana addict who regularly drove students to and from school events, including games. Despite his drug use, which would have automatically disqualified him under DOT standards, Kerr was entrusted with the safety of students on a daily basis. No background checks or adequate drug screening processes were followed, allowing Kerr to continue driving students under the influence.

Under DOT regulations, drivers of vehicles transporting school children must meet strict standards, including passing medical examinations, holding valid CDLs, and being subject to random drug and alcohol tests. The qualifications of JW and Todd Kerr would never have met these federal safety standards, yet ICS ignored these requirements to reduce operational costs.

The school's reckless disregard for student safety through the employment of these unqualified drivers was not only unethical but unlawful. ICS prioritized saving money over the welfare of minors, and in doing so, knowingly endangered the lives of the children entrusted to its care. This breach of duty shows a disturbing pattern of negligence that needs to be addressed and brought to justice.

Indian

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