Driver faces charges for abandoning 4-year-old special needs student on school bus in New Jersey.

A school bus driver in New Jersey has been charged after allegedly leaving a 4-year-old special needs student unattended on a parked bus for over two hours. The incident reportedly occurred on July 10 at Valley View Elementary School, located in Towaco, New Jersey. Staff at the school became concerned when the child did not arrive, prompting them to contact the parents. It was confirmed that the child had boarded the bus earlier that day.

Upon searching, the child was discovered on the bus, which had been parked in the bus yard for approximately two and a half hours without any supervision. Following the discovery, the student exhibited symptoms of distress, including low blood pressure and an elevated heart rate, necessitating a visit to the hospital for further evaluation and care.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that the driver, Frank J. Blair, 61, failed to conduct a proper check of the bus after parking, violating both state statutes and company policy. Blair was subsequently charged with endangering the welfare of a child and was released from custody with conditions prohibiting him from supervising children in the future.

Montville Township Public Schools clarified that Blair was a contractor and not a direct employee of the district. This clarification is significant amid growing concerns about student safety, especially in light of recent traffic incidents involving school buses. Just days prior to this charge, two children were injured in separate incidents involving school buses in Bergen County, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding the safety of students during transportation.

The ongoing investigation into this alarming incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in school transportation. Parents and guardians expect schools and transportation providers to prioritize the safety and well-being of their children. As authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding this incident, they aim to address any lapses in safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This incident raises questions about the systems in place to protect vulnerable students and the accountability of those entrusted with their care. As the investigation unfolds, the community eagerly awaits further details and additional measures to ensure that the safety of children remains a paramount concern.

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