Preschooler left on bus; driver, attendant placed on leave

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — A Poplar Bluff school bus driver and attendant were placed on unpaid leave Monday after failing to drop-off a preschooler, which was discovered later that afternoon at the bus garage.

The 4-year-old child was upset but not physically harmed during the incident and was taken home by an assistant superintendent, according to a statement issued Monday by the school district’s communications office.

“The child was left on the bus at the bus garage for approximately 20 minutes Monday afternoon when an employee located the student. An assistant superintendent personally escorted the child to school upon being notified and then made a home visit to the family,” the statement said.

Poplar Bluff schools require drivers to complete a walk-through of the buses at the end of the route to ensure all students are off the bus. Buses also are equipped with a buzzer to remind drivers to complete the walk-through.

“Child-safety buzzer systems have been installed on each of our buses, which sound when the ignition is turned off, allowing the driver to fully inspect the interior of the bus while walking to the rear in order to disengage the device,” the school stated.

Safety protocols apparently were not followed, however. The aide walked the length of the bus and turned off the buzzer but did not see the child, according to the district.

It was another bus driver who discovered the child. The second driver, who parks next to the bus the child was on, heard the child crying.

The school has notified state child services, who could investigate for criminal negligence on the driver’s part. Video of the incident is being reviewed by school officials.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.