A bus driver for the Howell Public Schools District was fired after an April 28 incident in which she at first appeared to be experiencing a medical situation in the bus lot at Voyager Elementary School, but later admitted to drinking alcohol between her runs.
It was reported that other bus drivers observed that the driver was not her usual self, and reported their observations to the transportation office. A substitute driver was immediately brought in to take over for the woman, who received medical care. After an investigation, officials said the driver admitted to drinking alcohol between her runs.
Her employment was immediately terminated by the Livingston Educational Service Agency, according to a letter sent home to parents from Howell Superintendent Erin MacGregor and Livingston Education Service Agency Superintendent Michael Hubert. Bus drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol screenings while employed, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
“We are very thankful for the actions of the other bus drivers who saw something that did not meet with their expectations for professional conduct and acted on their observations” the letter read. “This situation serves as a good reminder that choosing to say something when you believe someone needs help is the right thing to do.”
