An Oxford Schools? bus driver was let go last week after picking up a stranded motorist alongside Hummer Lake Road, while transporting home a bus load of middle and high school students on Jan. 28.
While the action was an ‘act of kindness,? and the motorist was only driven a ‘short distance,? according to Oxford Schools? Human Resource Director Nancy Latowksi ‘no distance is acceptable.?
‘This is strictly against school safety regulations and policy,? she said.
All district employees receive safety training, especially the bus drivers.
Latowski said they were made aware of the situation when they started receiving phone calls from several parents upset that a stranger was picked up while their children were on the bus.
No letter or e-mail was sent to the parents of the students on the bus, but Latowski said they ‘talked to parents as the issue arose? if they called to complain.
‘I reassured individuals that the safety of the students is our primary concern,? she added. ‘Obviously we do not condone that (behavior) and it’s strictly prohibited, picking up individuals.?
Latowski noted that safety precautions were once again reemphasized to the bus drivers.
‘It was an unfortunate situation but it was immediately addressed and appropriate measures were taken,? she said.