Fort Worth ISD Addresses School Bus Safety Following Incident

FORT WORTH, Texas – A recent incident involving a school bus has raised serious concerns regarding student safety within Fort Worth Independent School District (ISD).

Incident Overview

On a Tuesday afternoon, 8-year-old David, who has developmental challenges, found himself in a precarious situation when a substitute bus driver dropped him off at an unfamiliar location, a quarter-mile from his usual stop. This disruption occurred after David expressed his worries about not being taken to his designated drop-off point.

Concerns from a Caring Grandmother

David’s grandmother, Amparo Wynn, recounts how her grandson approached the driver multiple times, asking if he would be dropped off at home. “She said, ‘no,’ that she doesn’t do that, she doesn’t take kids home. He asked twice,” Wynn explained. Although David navigated his way home safely, his grandmother remains unsettled, highlighting the emotional toll such incidents take on families: “I don’t want to have to be concerned about going to work, wondering if my kid is going to be on the bus, left in the right spot,” she stated.

District’s Response to Incident

Fort Worth ISD responded to the situation, emphasizing the importance of student safety. A statement from the district reinforced this commitment, stating, “The safety of our students is our top priority, and we are taking both immediate and long-term measures to prevent incidents like this from occurring in the future.” The school district’s new chief of transportation, Nathan Graf, is actively involved in addressing the ongoing challenges. He shared insights from a recent meeting aimed at improving bus route efficiency.

Future Measures for Safety Improvement

As part of the district’s strategy, Graf noted a key factor contributing to recent bus issues: a shortage of drivers. To alleviate this, Fort Worth ISD plans to hire at least 30 new drivers before the onset of the next school year. A transportation workshop highlighted this objective, focusing on practical recruitment efforts.

Looking ahead, the district is also considering the implementation of technological advancements. This may include a badge system for students when boarding and exiting buses, which aims to mitigate future mix-ups like the one David experienced.

Conclusion

The recent incident highlights the need for accountability and improvements in student transportation safety within Fort Worth ISD. Both the district administration and concerned parents are committed to ensuring that such an alarming situation does not recur, fostering a safe environment for all students.