School Bus Driver Let Kids as Young as 11 Film Themselves Driving Other Students!
In unacceptable news, a 27-year-old bus driver let her student passengers, one as young as 11-years-old, drive the school bus. . . AND FILM THEMSELVES!
Now, we've all had that one cool aunt or uncle that let us steer a little bit, maybe even drive around the corner when we were 14 but , driving an entire school bus with actual young passengers? NEVER!
Via WPTV:
"Joandrea Dehaven McAtee, 27, is facing preliminary felony charges of child neglect, according to The Associated Press.
ABC News reports that McAtee let three different children, aged 11, 13 and 17 years old, drive the bus for short periods of time on a rural stretch of road.
A parent complaint to a school resource officer at Boone Grove High School prompted an investigation. School officials were quickly able to substantiate the claim.
One person on the bus tweeted a video of the incident and claimed the person behind the wheel was a middle-schooler."
I don't know how this woman thought this behavior was even partially ok! NO MA'AM! ABC News reports that "McAtee was immediately fired by First Student, the company which operates buses in Porter Township, after the video and allegations surfaced.
"We are incredibly disappointed by the actions of our former driver," First Student said in a statement to ABC News. "There is nothing more important than the safety of the students we transport. Behavior such as this is completely unacceptable and totally at odds with what we stand for as a company. The driver has been terminated. We have a zero-tolerance policy for employees whose actions may harm or put others at risk."
"Porter Township School Corporation said students and parents both reported the conduct to the school administration and its investigation "quickly substantiated" that McAtee allowed students to drive the bus.
"Upon receiving information regarding this incident, PTSC administration, First Student (our bus service provider), and the Porter County Sheriff’s Department immediately began an investigation," the township said in a statement. "The investigation quickly substantiated the allegations and the driver was relieved of all duties involving Porter Township School Corporation. The Porter Township School Corporation is angered and disappointed in the actions of this driver. The safety of our students is a top priority.
"This individual’s actions are not reflective of the hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our staff," the statement continued. "We are thankful for the students and parents who came forward quickly with this information to both PTSC administration and law enforcement allowing us to respond expediently and take the proper steps to insure student safety."
McAtee's only previous arrest in the state was for speeding in her own vehicle in New Chicago, Indiana, in February 2017 for driving 54 mph in a 35 mph zone, court records show. She was found guilty and paid the resulting fine."
If this woman ever gets behind the wheel again, it'll be too soon!
