The Impact of Aggressive Behavior on School Buses

As a grandparent and legal guardian of a Pleasanton Independent School District student, Rebecca Ybarra is on a mission to see a district school bus driver terminated from his position. The incident that sparked this desire for action occurred when Ybarra was sent a video showing the driver behaving aggressively towards her six-year-old grandson, Edward.

Like many students, Edward takes the school bus to and from Pleasanton Elementary School. The video captured by another student, with permission granted by their aunt to use, shows the driver physically picking Edward up and placing him back in his seat multiple times on August 20th. According to the student who recorded the video, they began filming after witnessing the driver hit Edward.

During a conversation with KSAT, Edward recounted his experience, stating, “He grabbed me and picked me up,” when asked about the incident. The young boy also expressed feeling uncomfortable during the altercation.

Ybarra’s concern is not just for her grandchild but for the safety of all children who ride the bus. She questioned, “If he did this to my child, would he do it to the next child?” Ybarra made sure to raise the issue with Pleasanton ISD assistant superintendent Anthony Kosub, emphasizing the need for accountability.

When contacted by KSAT, Kosub assured that the district was investigating the matter but refrained from providing specific details on personnel matters. Ybarra mentioned receiving messages from other parents who shared similar experiences with the same bus driver in the past.

As of the latest update, Ybarra is eagerly awaiting news on the progress of the school district’s investigation. She described the entire situation as upsetting and difficult to deal with.

It is instances like these that bring attention to the importance of safe and respectful behavior on school buses. As parents and guardians, it is crucial to advocate for the well-being of all students and hold those responsible for misconduct accountable.

Let’s hope that this incident serves as a reminder for school districts to prioritize the safety and security of students during their daily commute.