District says no risk to students after Friday bus delay

By Jazmine Knight

An investigation is underway after claims a bus carrying St. Joseph School District students failed to follow its normal route Friday morning.

A St. Joseph parent said in a social media post that the bus on route 45 to Eugene Field Elementary made multiple unscheduled stops and was late arriving at school, upsetting her child and other students. She said her son contacted her distraught about the driver’s actions, leading her to track down the bus herself and follow it to the school.  

Officials with the St. Joseph School District said they are aware of the incident and released a statement Friday afternoon.

“This morning we were made aware of concerns regarding a bus route serving Field Elementary. Our transportation provider, First Student, has initiated an investigation and will review the bus video footage. The bus had a substitute driver unfamiliar with the route, which led to multiple stops and a delay. However, at no point were any students at risk.”

News-Press NOW reached out to the woman who made the social media post and First Student about the incident. Neither has responded.