ATLANTA — An Atlanta Public Schools bus driver is now on leave after a homeless person was discovered sleeping in the back of a bus full of Howard Middle School students on Monday morning.
“It’s just crazy to me that she was undetected,” said Beth, a parent of a 7th grader who rides that bus daily. “It’s very unnerving, and it’s just unsettling.”
Beth’s daughter recorded videos of the incident and sent them to her. The videos, shared with WSB, show the woman leaving the bus after the bus driver discovered her.
“Oh Lord Jesus,” the bus driver exclaimed. “Come on, let’s go, ma’am.”
The woman left the bus without incident. It’s unclear how or when the person accessed the school bus. Beth’s daughter said the woman was on the bus the whole route and was only discovered when they arrived at school.
The entire incident has left Beth with serious questions about safety.
“I’m relieved at how it turned out and that everything was fine, but it could’ve been something completely different,” she said. “[The kids] need to feel safe; they need to know that when they get on that bus, they’re going to be protected; they’re going to be safe until they get to school.”
In response to the incident, Atlanta Public Schools released this statement:
“Atlanta Public Schools is aware of reports involving an unauthorized passenger on a school bus that was transporting students to Howard Middle School. The unauthorized passenger was removed without incident. APS is actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. Per district protocol, the bus driver will be placed on leave pending the outcome of the review. The district is also taking immediate steps to address any identified concerns and make necessary adjustments to transportation and safety protocols to help ensure the continued safety and security of our students and staff. The safety and security of our students and staff is our highest priority. APS takes all matters involving student safety and security seriously and remains committed to maintaining safe and secure transportation for every student.”
