The strength of our school system is deeply rooted in the trust and transparency we share with our families, schools, and community. We value this relationship and work diligently each day to uphold it.
In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we want to inform you of an incident that occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025. A substitute bus driver was removed from a route, arrested, and charged with driving under the influence, along with other related offenses. Fortunately, no one was physically injured.
We recognize the seriousness of this situation and share in your concern. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we do not tolerate any behavior that compromises that commitment. Any individual found to endanger our students will be fully prosecuted and permanently prohibited from employment with the Bartow County School System.
To support our students during this time, additional counseling services will be available on Monday for any students who may have been affected by this incident.
Our Transportation Department maintains rigorous standards to ensure the safety of our students. All drivers, including substitutes, undergo a comprehensive hiring process that includes:
- Employment application and interview
- CDL pre-employment drug testing
- Motor vehicle record review
- Reference checks
- Criminal background screening through our Human Resources Department
- CDL bus endorsement and physical examination
- Completion of all required training and skills assessments
- Ongoing random drug and alcohol testing throughout employment
Please be assured that we remain steadfast in our commitment to student safety and continue to take all necessary steps to prevent incidents of this nature.
Thank you for your continued trust in the Bartow County School System.