A school bus driver’s aide in McKinney was terminated for allegedly assaulting a 10-year-old student last week.
Police said the boy’s father complained his son, a Valley Creek Elementary student, was hit on the way home from school by the aide with a belt “on his back and his lower left leg." The aide allegedly had a belt wrapped around his fist, Lt. Scott Brewer said.
The buses have video surveillance equipment, and the incident was videotaped.
“The officer on scene to take the report observed no injuries to the 10-year-old child,” said Brewer.
Police have turned over their reports to the Collin County district attorney’s office for consideration.
Durham School Services, which provides transportation for the McKinney Independent School District, fired the aide. The company said in a statement that it “takes the safety of the children we transport very seriously, and we sincerely regret the incident occurred."
Parents of some Valley Creek students say the aide's dismissal may have been premature.
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“I would have to see the videotape on whether he was hit or not and what happened leading up to that hit,” Rebecca Holdstock said.
Several parents mentioned the dangers of controlling behavior on a bus and how the actions of one child could compromise the safety of all the passengers.
“I think they should have some discipline. They can't just let them get away with anything,” said Jim Meredith, a grandparent who said he believes unruly children sometimes need corporal punishment.
But other parents said any physical discipline should be left to them.
“I'm not really up for anybody spanking my kid other than me,” Karen Doshier said.
But she said that a suspension, not a dismissal, would have been sufficient until the investigation is complete.
A spokesperson for the MISD said the district is working with the student’s parents and cooperating with the police investigation. The district said it won't take further action until the investigation is complete.
