School system investigating bus incident

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Monday, September 12. 2011

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Barrow County school superintendent Wanda Creel said Wednesday a bus driver is on paid administrative leave after last week’s incident in which a five-year-old’s book bag got caught in a bus door and the child was dragged 40 feet down the street.

The school system is continuing to investigate what happened in the incident, which involved a student from Auburn Elementary School. The child, identified by an Atlanta TV station as Alexis Lovell, was not injured in the incident.

The driver of the bus, identified as Mary Hall, told police she opened the door so the child could exit the bus, but then two other students approached her and began talking to her. She said she turned her head to talk to the other students and closed the door. As she began to drive, she noticed the child’s book bag caught in the door.

The child told CBS TV in Atlanta that the bus driver was on the phone at the time of the incident.

According to a Barrow County Sheriff’s Office incident report, a woman called 911 after she saw the little girl dragged by the bus at the four-way stop sign at Browns Bridge and Kilcrease roads.

The woman told responding BCSO deputy Kayla Roberts that she could see a Barrow County School bus on her right hand side stopped at the driveway of a Browns Bridge Road residence. She also saw two cars drive through the grass, one stopping behind the bus and heard screaming. That’s when she looked at the bus and saw a child attached to it, being drug down the road.

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#1 Anonymous on 09/12/11 at 04:26 PM

"and a counselor contacted all parents of the remaining students on the bus" Oh please for god sake!!!

#1.1 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 05:17 PM

YES MILDRED THERE IS TRAINING GOING ON IN BARROW COUNTY. WE WERE ALSO TAUGHT TO COUNT STUDENTS AS THEY GET OFF THE BUS AND TO MAKE SURE THE STUDENTS ARE AWAY FROM THE BUS BEFORE YOU PULL OFF. YOU AS A DRIVER KNOWS HOW EASY IT IS TO GET DISTRACTED AND HOW EASILY THIS CAN HAPPEN IF YOUR NOT ON YOUR GAME EVERYDAY. YOU ALSO TEACH YOUR STUDENTS TO STAY SEATED AND NOT COME TO THE FRONT TO DISTRACT YOU. MS CREEL AND MS YOUNG ARE NOT INCOMPETENT. THEY HAVE DONE ALOT OF GOOD FOR BARROW AND CONTINUES TO MAKE IT THE BEST IT CAN BE AND A FIRST CLASS BUS RIDE. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU WHO CAST THE FIRST STONE.....Anonymous I can't believe you aired all the dirty laundry. SHAME ON YOU......#1 THING IS THANK GOODNESS THE CHILD IS OK.

#1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 01:31 PM

My child was on that bus and said that other students were distracting the bus driver as the child was exiting the bus. I would gladly let my child ride with this bus driver again, this is the 2nd year miss Mary has driven my child. She was not on the phone according to my daughter which I believe. Miss Mary is an excellant bus driver and it will be a great shame to lose her. Parents need to imphasize the importance to their children that they must stay seated and keep voices at a low tone. I'm glad the child was not hurt. I have a ? if this was a five year old where was the parent when she was exiting the bus and why did she not help the child or let the bus driver know she was stuck? I as a parent made sure that I was there when my daughter got on and off the bus to make sure accidents don't happen.

#1.2 RStache on 09/17/11 at 03:51 PM

Its a bus drivers nightmare to hurt her kids, she loves them, she gets very attached to them, I was told she wasn't talking to the two students, that they were told on numerous occasions to stay in there seats and she had just recently reminded them of that and boom there they were! She was trying to get them out of the way. They blocked the door and she was totally distracted. It can happen to anyone, at anytime and it happens in seconds.
Honestly knowing that she could have hurt one child, knowing this driver she will not take the chance of hurting another, She will not drive again, and I consider it a loss.

#2 Fortitude on 09/12/11 at 04:52 PM

welcome to "CYA" America. I just want to know if the driver is suppose to watch the children cross, how did the driver not see the child, which means the driver was not paying attention.

#2.1 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 04:36 PM

This child was door side.

#3 Mildred on 09/12/11 at 05:44 PM

This must be another one of Creel’s “Snafu” (incompetence) How can no one be fired???? The driver must not of been looking where the child was, I drive for another county and the state dept teach drivers to count the children when they get off the bus and after they get into their yard BEFORE you pull off. There must not be any training going on in Barrow. If it were my child someone would be fired and maybe up on charges!! Between this and the Band “snafu” it does not look like Creel’s has the safety of the children first! Will this driver be back driving? My child would not ride that bus!

#3.1 Anonymous on 09/12/11 at 05:49 PM

Mildred. It's parents like you that is whats wrong with kids today. Do you even allow your kid outside to play?

#3.2 Sheesh on 09/15/11 at 09:02 AM

Mildred drives for another county because her incompetent butt was turned away from Barrow.

#4 Anonymous on 09/12/11 at 06:31 PM

I do, but not UNDER a school bus!!! This child could have been killed!!! Does that not matter to you? Does it take a child getting killed before people wake up in this county? If we don't stand up for these children I fear what may happen next someone needs to ask how many wreaks/mishaps the Transportation Dept has already had this year. There is way too much waste and mismanagement going on in the transportation dept if people only knew the half of it they would be shocked! How many routes have had to be split due to the fact of no driver on route (not for a trip either) the entire office staff has had to drive we are even paying a mechanic to drive or ride as a bus monitor it’s no wonder we don’t have buses fixed how can they fix them if they are driving routes or working on Ms. Young’s personal car. The mechanics complain about having too much work to get the buses fixed but they have enough time to work on her car???? I guess that is a perk she gets free mechanics to work on her car. Well they are not free to us just her she don’t even live in this county to pay taxes. I was told a child broke another child’s arm on the bus. Where was that driver? A child was left on a HOT school bus and not found by that driver but found by another driver. A child was taken to the wrong house and dropped off due to a misinformed driver due to the “snafu” office staff. A monitor was thrown to the floor while on the bus and injured her arm and out on medical leave. The entire transportation dept is in a state of disarray and its only a matter of time before we pay the price for Dr. Creels preferential hiring practices the BOE needs to stand up to this woman and take back our school system before its to late this has gone on long enough.

#4.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 03:13 PM

I'm glad child is ok but she was not talking on the phone. my child rides the bus. Where was the parent did he/she not stand at door side to get child? that is pretty stupid not to with a five year old. Get all the facts before you judge!!

#4.2 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 09:22 AM

wow see how they hide stuff from everyone. some of us has never heard about any of this now we have to find out by the news. what has happen to this county?

#4.3 Deanna on 09/16/11 at 10:54 AM

Just because you are a small minded individual does not give you the right to say such bad things about your employer. I for one think if you are "smart" enough to get on this web site and voice your opinion, then you should have the guts to give your name. If people would show up and drive their routes, when they do not really have a valid reason for being out, then there would be no need to have our mechanics driving. But, that is not the case now is it. As for dogging Dr. Creel and Ms. Young, you should be ashamed of yourself because I think they are DOING A TERRIFIC JOB!!!! If you are this unhappy with this county LEAVE< NO ONE IS STOPPING YOU. For the rest of you, that are so quick to judge, come do this job for 5 minutes, you would not last. And, if you are doing this job, you need to go home tonight and pray for forgiveness for the way you are talking about your "family" (and I use that term lightly for some of you). Our leadership is better than it was just a couple of years ago, you are just to pig headed to admit that because you no longer get what you want. It is high time to keep our mouths shut and let things fall into place. Accidents are going to happen and when they do we need to pull together. You also need to remember that there is never a certain and at any given moment this could be you!!! So, leave Dr. Creel, Ms. Young, and Mr. Grant to do what they were hired and know how to do; that is protect us and our county and jobs. After all, if you were qualified to do what they do, then that is where you would be!!!!!

#5 Good Ole Boy on 09/12/11 at 07:06 PM

(Comment removed)

#5.1 Good ole Gurl on 09/12/11 at 07:33 PM

What are you smoking? This makes no since.

#5.2 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 05:22 PM

This is a stupid statement. Take the issue at hand has nothing to do with Ms Creel's personal life.

#6 Prncssgeek on 09/13/11 at 09:47 AM

You guys can say whatever you want about Wanda Creel, but when it comes down to it she stands up for the rights of the kids. She doesn't dork around with whiny parents and teachers who don't want to do their job right. When it's brought to her attention she steps in and fixes it. Give the woman time to look into this. You act like you want her to rush in and fire everyone without even finding out what was going on. Hell if that was the way the workplace worked then no one in this country would have a job.

And for all of you who can do a better job, lets see you run for office!

#6.1 you are kidding right? on 09/13/11 at 06:32 PM

There was a bus and a car accident in the parking lot at AHS yesterday afternoon. The bus ran all over the car. Have you even heard about that? No. Wanda Creel has shown her caring for my children. ZERO

#6.1.1 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 07:52 PM

Give me a break. Why should you hear about a bus hitting a parked car. MOVE OUT OF BARROW

#6.1.1.1 you move on 09/13/11 at 08:05 PM

I live here. Come up with a better line. This one is very very dated

#6.1.1.2 what? on 09/13/11 at 09:05 PM

If I had hit a bus, everyone one would have heard about it. What is it with you guys "If you don't like it Move". Maybe just some of us feel like we can make things better if we stayed.

#7 Tom on 09/13/11 at 11:01 AM

This has been going on all this year and last how long are we to wait on her to “fix things”? One step forward and two back is not good in my book. This is just the latest event will it take a child getting KILLED before you and the board decided enough is a enough!!!!!

#8 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 05:21 PM

I knew it was only a matter of time before something like this happened. The Barrow County Schools Transportation department needs looking at very closely, mostly those in the office! They are a parents nightmare and I hope something is done about the way they have been doing things.

#8.1 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 07:49 PM

You must be seeing something I havent. I think they are doing a good job.

#9 anonymous on 09/13/11 at 06:42 PM

I know about the wreck at Apalacchee High School Monday. Thank heavens it was a parked car with no one inside the bus hit. Tore it up pretty good too.

#9.1 what wreck???? on 09/13/11 at 07:16 PM

You mean this is another bus incident?

#10 Shockly not suprised on 09/13/11 at 08:27 PM

Its sad to say that Barrow Co school system does not care who is driving the bus as long as they have a CDL. I know its hard to do a bus driver's job but truly the children have to come first! I was behind a bus on Georgia Ave one afternoon & was waiting after the children crossed the road & could not figure out why, this great bus driver was making sure the children could get in the house or someone was home! So there are a few driver out there that actually are doing a great job. Lets not let one accident (think GOD the child was OK) bring down the whole county!

But on the other hand I do not understand why parents are not responded to when trying to contact Wanda Creel??? Isn't she here for the children and to assist in making their future as bright as possible? If other people do her job then why does the system bother paying her???

AHS has had a lot going on but I hope & pray the new principal can take care of things like getting a Certain Special Ed teacher to actually try and teach the children with behavior disorders as we all no he is not there as a baby sitter (if sh he's over paid)!

#10.1 good drivers on 09/13/11 at 08:35 PM

I am behind the bus drivers in this county. Not Creel or the transportation dept and some of the other personal. there are alot of drivers not happy with the routes and what they are trying to make them do.
But the BOE have nothing to say about anything when contacting them either.

#11 Peggy on 09/13/11 at 09:11 PM

Yes thank God she is ok! But it’s about time someone has aired the dirty laundry! What I want to know is WHY Creel/Young are not doing anything about the dirty laundry. Are they so desperate for drivers they will accept anyone? I would like someone to air the training (if there was any) of all the drivers mention by anonymous. Was all this done by one driver? Or do we have more than one untrained driver in this county? Will the BOE wait till a child is admitted to the hospital? When is enough enough?

#12 Anonomyous on 09/13/11 at 09:12 PM

Dr. Creel and buses just do not get along.

#13 Mike on 09/13/11 at 09:14 PM

Lets all take a step back and breath for a minute. The incident with the little girl is terrible. But Thank GOD she wasn't hurt. The story stated that the driver has't been terminated as of the time of the story.
If I recall correctly Mrs. Creel or Mrs. Young wasn't driving the bus. But of course so many want to blame her.
As for the other incidents that are being talked about. Let me ask this. Did you see the car that was bumped? Get your facts straight before vomiting on the net.

#13.1 Yep on 09/13/11 at 09:15 PM

Yep, I saw the car

#13.2 anonomyous on 09/13/11 at 09:47 PM

You must be privy to information concerning the accident with the child that most of us do not know. I did not know it was a little girl and too am very thankful she was not injured. I, while trying to unwind this evening,was online and was searching the Journal and came across this page. I get the very obvious message that a vast majority of people are upset with EVERYTHING.
HOWEVER, we do not know if the bookbag was on the child's back or if a strap was caught in the door, nor the age of the child and if she ran back into the door etc.
We do know however that Wanda Creel and Mrs. Young were not driving.
If there are any concerns here, they should be contacted personally. I am confused as to what the incident at AHS had to do with this or was this an add on to list of complaints. Best thing to do with complaints is to take them to the people that will or can help you.

#14 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 09:35 PM

Have you read what CBS ATLANTA has posted it says the child was dragged for more than 10 feet before the driver realized she was being dragged. Wittness said-"We saw her trying to run to keep up with the bus, and then she tripped and fell,"

Go to http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/15452256/barrow-county-school-bus-drags-child-caught-in-the-door
There appears to be a lot more to the story than is being told here.

#15 Tasha on 09/13/11 at 09:39 PM

10 yards not 10 feet... maybe you need to read the article again!

#16 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 09:52 PM

ok yards but does that make a differance

#17 Rhonda on 09/13/11 at 10:06 PM

They are not listening to the employees or parents. Look at the band they are expected to ride to away games on overcrowded buses that is not safe! It does not matter where the book bag was that bus should have never pulled off until that child was safely away from the bus!12 foot danger zone! NO Exceptions! How can you not see this. I have more info than you because I read other sites and watch the news on TV. I get my info from multiple sources not just one. Check out the site and you can see too!

#17.1 Sheesh on 09/15/11 at 09:19 AM

The band packs the buses with parents looking for free rides and free passes to away games. That is why they are crowded. But of course if Creel banned the practice of carrying these deadbeat parents they would all be on this page the next day making up bad things about her.

Let's face it, Barrow loves to hate. No wonder good leaders don't come here!

#17.1.1 fool u on 09/15/11 at 07:49 PM

The reason the band could not get on the buses is because buses will only hold so many people. Guess what...too many people for the buses. That was without the band director, auxiliary director, and chaperons. they did not have a seat either. Up yours u dead beat

#17.1.2 Kim on 09/16/11 at 12:19 PM

To the idiots who are STILL posting something about the band mishap that happened a couple of weeks ago... The parents that ride the buses are NOT dead beat parents!!! They are chaperones for the 150 band members that AHS takes to each away game. They give their time to make sure that Mr. Fuller does not have to deal with these students by himself! You try to take 150 band members to a game by yourself. GUARANTEE you couldn't do it! And for anyone who wants to say "they have the bus drivers", it is not the bus drivers job to chaperone these kids. They are there to get them too and from the games and that's it! Maybe you should go to an away game with the band, football team, etc. and see if you could handle it by yourself! Know the facts people. Ignorance must be bliss!!

#17.1.2.1 Deanna on 09/16/11 at 12:21 PM

THANK YOU! I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF!!!!

#17.1.3 Deanna on 09/16/11 at 12:24 PM

The bus drivers of Barrow County appreciate all parent chaperones, when they what their supposed too. AHS Band has the BEST parent chaperones ever!!

#17.1.3.1 You appreciate the chaperones’ .....yea right! on 09/16/11 at 12:41 PM

You appreciate the chaperones’ that’s not what the last bus drivers had to say about the chaperones’ I Quote - “ Then to also later hear they had to make a stop for an unruly student – really?? And there were how many chaperones’s… of which had to be asked by the bus drivers to get them under control before that incident even occurred. Dr. Creel – you need not apologize… Mr. Apalachee Band Director – you on the other hand should!” sounds to me like she was saying we were here for a free ride!

#17.1.4 Kim on 09/16/11 at 12:27 PM

Every band parent at AHS would GLADLY drive wherever the band goes, because they are not there for a free ride, they are there to support their Marching Cat!!!! You would find just as many parents going if they had to drive, as you do them chaperoning! Don't be so quick to "hate"

#18 Anonymous on 09/13/11 at 10:08 PM

The child and the grandmother were on the TV. It told age,name and alot more.

#19 observer on 09/14/11 at 07:17 AM

The BCS response to the incident has been appropriate. The superintendent's statement was on target. The driver was immediately removed from driving. It's tough to fault anyone but the driver.

#20 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 07:25 AM

If the BOE doesn't get the fact that this county has had enough of Wanda Creel mismanaging our school system, then they are not listening to the people in this county.

Public temper tantrums, mismanaging school funds, questionable hiring practices of less qualified personnel...ect is a pretty good indication somethig is wrong.

She has never been a Principal of a large school so what makes her qualified to be able to handle an entire county school system.

It's obvious she is in a position requiring more experience and skills then she has to offer.

The biggest problem is that she has created such a negative environment for all school employees, that the students are picking up on it throughout our schools.

Her propensity to loose her temper and yell at employees has everyone on edge when they are around her.

Does this seem to describe a cohesive, productive work environment? I think not.

BOE,

It's ok to make a mistake. But it's not ok to recognize that mistake and not take action to correct it.

Do the right thing here. For the kids.

There is only two people that can do something about this.

You or the voters.

#20.1 interested observer on 09/14/11 at 09:20 AM

Very well said. Boe, are you listening?

#21 Beth on 09/14/11 at 08:36 AM

I am Thankful that the child is ok. My grandchild rides the bus every day, and we have a WONDERFUL driver: Miss Angie Parr. She doesn't care if she holds up traffic forever,she makes SURE the children are safely across the street, and out of harm's way! While this is a very unfortunate incident, Hats off to thr GOOD drivers out county has! Would you want to drive a 20 year old tank on wheels filled with 30 unruly,loud,screaming kids?

#22 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 08:52 AM

We are all human we make mistake. As far as Ms. Creel and Ms. Wanda they both put there heart and soul into their jobs every day, They are so dedicated to the safety of the children of Barrow Co. I have seen many great changes made in the transportation dept and in the office. Ms. Wanda Young preaches safety to the bus drivers from the time school starts until it stops. Thank you Ms. Wanda for all you do, you are awesome and we appreciate you. God bless you.

#22.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 09:00 AM

Name one? "Good change" that Ms. Young has put into place for the children.

#23 Thank you! on 09/14/11 at 08:59 AM

I thank God this little girl was not hurt! Thank you to all the Barrow County Bus Drivers that do a great job everyday the hundreds of children that are delivered home safely everyday,the drivers who double up triple up their routes and their co-workers so these sports trips can be made! Yes I am a Barrow County Bus Driver and Proud of it! Mistakes are made we are all human,till you walk a mile in our shoes please give us a break! To the general public make our job easier,Don't pull out in front of us we can not stop on a dime,Don't pass our stop sign we put our ambers on 200 feet so you know we are stopping. Let us out we have a schedule to keep too,we have to get all the children home safely and go to the next school to pick them up ,if the sign says NO CARS in the parking lot that means you ! That is another accident waiting to happen when the buses are loading . Yes we stop at the R/R crossings so why are you on our bumper this has been a practice for many years but we are nearly rear-ended everyday,don't ride our bumper. People are not patient when we are crossing children STOP means stop back there not lined up with the front of the bus! When we wait to see a parent or they get inside, and wave to Thank you don't shake you head with disgust because we held you up we are doing our JOB! Yes we are trained every year and thru the year . 5 children were killed in Ga last year the highest in the Nation most were by Ga drivers not us! Keep you heads up Barrow Drivers we know we are better off today then what we had, and change is always good yes it takes awhile to clean up someones else's mess!

#24 Peggy on 09/14/11 at 09:47 AM

What mess?? Did you have children dragged by their book bag before? I think not! As you can see from the posters it was better before! The poster above said it best

“The biggest problem is that she has created such a negative environment for all school employees, that the students are picking up on it throughout our schools. Her propensity to loose her temper and yell at employees has everyone on edge when they are around her.
Does this seem to describe a cohesive, productive work environment? I think not”

“someone needs to ask how many wreaks/mishaps the Transportation Dept has already had this year. There is way too much waste and mismanagement going on in the transportation dept if people only knew the half of it they would be shocked! How many routes have had to be split due to the fact of no driver on route (not for a trip either) the entire office staff has had to drive we are even paying a mechanic to drive or ride as a bus monitor it’s no wonder we don’t have buses fixed how can they fix them if they are driving routes or working on Ms. Young’s personal car. The mechanics complain about having too much work to get the buses fixed but they have enough time to work on her car???? I guess that is a perk she gets free mechanics to work on her car. Well they are not free to us just her she don’t even live in this county to pay taxes. I was told a child broke another child’s arm on the bus. Where was that driver? A child was left on a HOT school bus and not found by that driver but found by another driver. A child was taken to the wrong house and dropped off due to a misinformed driver due to the “snafu” office staff. A monitor was thrown to the floor while on the bus and injured her arm and out on medical leave. The entire transportation dept is in a state of disarray and its only a matter of time before we pay the price for Dr. Creels preferential hiring practices the BOE needs to stand up to this woman and take back our school system before its to late this has gone on long enough.”

The things above are her responsibility and HER would be Ms. Young then Dr. Creel!

#24.1 Sheesh on 09/15/11 at 09:28 AM

Peggy,

I looked up "uniformed" in the dictionary and it had your picture there.

Making things up and reprinting unfounded rumors does not make them fact.

Keep on hating girl - it seems to be what you're good at.

#25 Old Fart on 09/14/11 at 11:16 AM

Been living here all my life and I've heard enough around the county to know that much of this is true.

Creel needs to be on her way to some other county in my opinion.

Better to take the loss buying out her contract and starting fresh with someone else then letting this fester for another two years.

#26 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 11:47 AM

Can't name one not even one “good change” that Young/Creel have put into place..... That’s what I thought! Either prove it or shut up! You must be one of those over paid under qualified “snafu” office workers at transportation dept. the other poster’s were talking about. You think if you say that she is doing something good enough times we will all believe you?????? well the proof is in the pudding and I myself have had enough proof Creel and her colonies need to go!

#26.1 Anonymous on 09/16/11 at 08:54 PM

I could tell you right now that young/creel is the best people around barrow county. they are for the students and for everyone!!!if people will teach the kids how to behave on the bus the bus will be a good ride home but some kids acts up that the bus driver has to look up in the mirror about all the time during a route it is very dangerous. i think that when students can't behave on the bus the should have to get their parents to take them!!! almost everyone wants to dog every bus drivers, but the need to seat down with their children and talk to them and how they should behave on the bus.

#27 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 01:13 PM

Sounds like a bunch of disgruntle employee's making comments on here.We should all be praising God the child wasn't hurt.WE are all Human people.Not the place to air out your Drama.

#27.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 01:22 PM

(Comment removed)

#27.1.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 01:34 PM

Well said!!! If the BOE want take action then we need to VOTE!
“When it comes election time. Vote against anyone with (Incumbent) by their name. Not just the BOE but ALL elected
officials. The people of Barrow County came to an agreement to do this
about 15 years ago and it worked well. Every election we were getting fresh
blood and no one became stale. Somewhere along the way it fell apart and we
started letting incumbents stay and look where it got us. This was
accomplished by citizens placing ads in the local paper to “Vote them out”
Now we have the internet and blogs. It should be even easier . Let’s all
stick together and once again” “Vote them out” Copied from another post but well said!

#27.1.1.1 Jack Legg on 09/14/11 at 01:59 PM

She was dragged 40 feet. Fire the stupid bus driver because she clearly wasnt paing attention.I would never let small children ride the bus anyway. there is way too much drug use and sex that goes on in the bus.
P.S. your an idiot if you let your kids ride it too.

#27.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 04:16 PM

When is there sex on a bus lol...you can apply for a bus driving job anytime you want. Then lets see if you make idiotic comments.

#27.1.1.1.1.1 Harold Jean on 09/14/11 at 08:37 PM

they do have sex on the bus (students) i've known of a lot of students doing it

#27.1.1.1.2 Beth on 09/15/11 at 09:29 AM

You are showing your IQ again Jack, or should I say LACK OF. There is no sex or drug use that goes on in the elementary buses. All the parents with your mentalty are the reason the streets around the schools are so congested. This makes it harder for the bus drivers, and creates many more safety concerns.
While it is your choice to let your child ride the bus or take them to school, it is safer if more children ride the buses, due to the tremendous congestion around the schools!
I agree with the other poster who says someone should be there(a parent or guardian) to meet the bus, and watch the children get off safely.
In my opinion the ending times for High school and Elementary school should be changed so that an older sibling would arrive home before the elementary school child.
The elementary school children have to get up WAY too early, and are standing in the dark waiting for the bus. This is a safety hazard as well.
Thank You barrow County bus drivers for the hard work that you do every day to keep our children safe.
I just want to add that the starting pay for a bus driver in barrow County is around 13,000 a year. most of them work only to keep insurance, which has recently increased the premium and reduced coverages.
Again, I say How would YOU like to drive a 20 year old beat up bus with 30 unruly, screaming children on it, AND be completely responsible for their safety, all for 13k a year????
No thanks

#27.1.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 09:43 AM

That 13000 is pretty good pay if you do the math. They(bus drivers)work half a year, half a day. That would be 180 days x 4 hrs = 720 hrs 13000 / 720 hrs = $18.05 per hour pretty good money if you ask me!

#27.1.1.1.2.1.1 Beth on 09/15/11 at 11:51 AM

REALLY???? Well then YOU get a job driving a bus for Barrow County! You say "half a day" You don't tell that it prohibits most of them from working another job due to the hours. The typical driver begins his/her day at 6:15 to 6:30, and doesn't return home until after 9. He/She then starts again at 1:30, and doesn't return home until after five. That's at LEAST 6 hours, sometimes more.
And it is actually 191 days x 6=1146 13000divided by 1146 = $11.39 an hour, and that does not include mandatory training, meetings, etc.
So WHEN are you going to put in your application? Let's see....$11.39 an hour - minus taxes - minus insurance to put up with thirty+ unruly, undisciplined, screaming kids, and to ensure the safety of said kids.
STILL want that job???
Bottom Line: We are trusting these drivers with the people that mean the MOST to us in the world!
Let's show a little respect people..let's be THANKFUL that child was not hurt, and let's give a raise to our bus drivers!!! Heck, with Creel's salary we could give ALL the drivers and monitors a BIG Raise!

#27.1.1.1.2.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 12:37 PM

How do you come up with a 191 school is only in for 180 days better go back and do your math..... and what job have you EVER had that paid you to drive to work plus gave you a vehicle to drive to work. ok let’s take a first year teacher for example > they are contracted for 190 days in Barrow and make on avg 32000 per year and they are there all day. so 190 x 8 = 1520 32000/1520 = 21.05 per hour but if you factor in their driving time to work 1 hr plus extra time after school and before avg 3 hr so that’s 4 hr a day so now they work 12 a day x 190 = 2280 32000/2280 = 14.7 per hr so at your own figures but at 180 per day 6x180=1080 13000/1080= 12.03 plus you get paid to drive to and from work and get the gas/vehicle to do so. so if you do the math you make more than a first year teacher that went to school for 4 years.

#27.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1 unreal on 09/16/11 at 07:28 PM

They dont pay everyone to drive to work, some come in from another county and park their bus at an elementary school.

#27.1.1.1.2.1.1.2 tom on 09/15/11 at 12:50 PM

If you didn’t stop by the bus shop and stand around outside smoking you might get to another job or home before 9am or 5pm. Go by the bus shop (Hal Jackson rd) anytime any day and it looks like a herd of elephants standing around all they need is a bar and a stool. Real class act can’t wait to see that on the news. Maybe you could get some work done if you were not out there smoking all the time.

#27.1.1.1.2.1.2 HLS on 09/16/11 at 01:49 PM

Yeah bus drivers do work half a day and their jobs are a million times more stressful than the average JOE out here working, so STOP BASHING THE BUS DRIVERS and lets see you get out there and drive one, but I guess you cant because you are too busy on the computer allday posting your petty comments that noone wants to hear to begin with!!! They leave in the mornings between 6:15 and 6:30 and return between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m., then they get back on the bus on the bus at 1:30 and return back to their home around 5 p.m. So there is no time for them to get a job between their routes!!!

#27.1.1.1.2.2 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 11:36 AM

ty you beth

#27.1.1.1.2.3 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 11:43 AM

More like 50-70 on a bus

#27.1.1.1.3 Sheesh on 09/15/11 at 09:35 AM

Jack you have proven yet again that you don't know "Jack" about whats really going on. But as usual it doesn't keep you from posting.

The buses all have cameras in them.

#27.1.1.2 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 04:22 PM

Incumbent - VOTE THEM OUT!!!!!

#27.1.1.2.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 04:24 PM

Amen!! Incumbent - VOTE THEM OUT!!!!!

#28 a good person! on 09/14/11 at 08:24 PM

honestly the bus driver over in auburn are doing a great job. Just because one accident happened because a driver was distracted because of other students doesn't make it her fault. I honestly blame bad parenting skills if you can't learn your child self control at home how do you think they will have it on a bus. Another thing why the hell wasn't the child's guardian outside??? i wouldn't let my 5 year old anything walk up my driveway or get off the bus alone. COMMON DAMN SINCE STUPID PEOPLE!!! to the Auburn drivers keep it up! yall are doing good!

#28.1 Anonymous on 09/14/11 at 10:47 PM

The parent was probably either watching tv or asleep, I to drive a bus for barrow county and hardley ever do my parents meet their children at the bus stop nor will they stick their head out the door to let you know they are there. It really bothers me how many moms wants to complain about the safety of their children but they won't even get off the couch to make sure they get in the house safe. I am late getting to the school alot of times because I have to wait until the children get off the bus walk down their driveway then wait for them to knock on the door and when someone does open it they never stick their head out, throw up a hand or anything(all this while I am holding up traffic of people trying to get to work or where ever),and i'm not talking about one time either more like about 10 to 15 times a day. Then when an accident happens they want to blame everybody cause their child wasn't safe. People get out of your house and meet your children and make sure they are safe. I run my route at the same time evry day and I don't lay out of work once a week and I have one parent that can't get out of bed to put her child on the bus and then calls and trys to get me in troble because her son has missed the bus 3 days this week and the 2 days she did get him out there she looked like she crawled straight out of bed straight out the front door then wants to stand at the door and tell him to behave at school today, give me a kiss, if your good at school today remeber what i told you we can do, give me a hug, and finaly give me a another kiss and remember be good., once again while i'm holding up traffic because she couldn't get out of bed in time to do it before i get there. The bus drivers aren't always at fault the parents are as much to blame, if they teach their kids how to respect and act then the bus ride would be a whole lot smoother ride for everyone on board.

#28.1.1 me!!! on 09/15/11 at 12:48 AM

very much agreed!!! it'd be a better ride for the driver and some students there's always those kids you wana give em what their momma don't but have to be nice! well have a great night have a good day at work tomorrow! ~~

#28.1.2 observer too on 09/15/11 at 08:29 AM

Tell it, sister. Bus drivers have a thankless job and most of the complainers are just as you describe, sorry and lazy. This one driver, however, was negligent.
I hope the drivers in Barrow don't feel like they are being attacked for the negligence of one.
And, Creel's leadership had nothing to do with this incident. Her leadership style has EVERYTHING to do with employee and community morale, and that appears to be very low.

#28.2 observer on 09/15/11 at 07:56 AM

It's not the fault of the parent, the child, the kids talking to the driver, the superintendent, the bus supervisor, Barack Obama, or anyone else. The driver, and no one else, is responsible to see that kids on their bus don't get dragged off and possibly run over.

Let BCS do a fair investigation. Absent additional information the driver should be terminated for negligence that almost cost a child her life.

#28.2.1 observer too on 09/15/11 at 08:14 AM

You are most correct. There is only one person responsible for this accident. She should already be terminated; however, there is a law suit coming, I bet, and the grounds for termination will be used against the BOE in the law suit.
The little girl when interviewed on TV has already been prompted to say, "....she (bus driver) was not paying attention". And, she mentioned something about talking on a cell phone.
I bet the mom comes to the surface now and not only the grandmother. How many attorneys, do you suppose, have already contacted this family?

#28.2.1.1 Jack Legg on 09/15/11 at 08:56 AM

You bring up an excellant point. that is Where was this so called mother at when her child is being dragged down the street by the bus?
Totally the drivers fault mind you. but where was the mother?
What fool lets a 5 year old little girl get off the bus and walk up the driveway this day and age?
We need to see DFACs involved here much more than with the beauty pagent mom.
Where was the idiot mother at?

#28.2.1.1.1 Beth on 09/15/11 at 12:02 PM

OMG THIS time you have gone too far you ignorant JackA*S! READ the story before opening your big ignorant mouth! The grandmother WAS there when it happened! As far as DFACS being involved you are totally OUT of your mind! This child HAD a parent/guardian there to see she got safely off the bus! As far as Ms. Dickey is concerned she put her child in a beauty pageant, which means she has her child involved in activities! Which is WAY more than I can say for most of these parents lately! She was NOT drunk, or doing drugs, or too stoned to care about whether her child needed attention or not.
Before you call DFACS I'd suggest you look around and find a child that REALLY needs help: Like one who is being abused, raped, beaten, starved, neglected, or any of the other thousands of atrocities these children are put through on a regular basis.
You have REALLY let your ignorance and negativity come shining through like you ALWAYS do!
Leave these children, parents, and bus drivers alone and go back to your mama's basement and continue with your miserable life! ENOUGH!!!!!

#28.2.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 12:15 PM

Dear idiot,
You seemed so adamant that I even went back and reread the article. Nothing of a grandmother or mother was mentioned in this article, and I havent seen it in any other either.Beth this just goes to show once again how you are a complete fool and a no nothing.
Hell yes someone should be at the bus stop to meet a 5 year old little girl, just what planet do you live on Beth?

#28.2.1.1.1.1.1 Beth on 09/15/11 at 05:57 PM

On MY planet I go and meet my 6 year old grandson at the bus, and walk partially out into the street as a second pair of eyes for the driver in case some of you idiots are speeding.

#28.2.2 Anonymous on 09/15/11 at 09:30 AM

You are correct the driver is responsible….. But however the school system i.e. the superintendent (Wanda Creel) the assistant superintendent (Jake Grant) and the director of transportation/driver trainer (Wanda Young) are also responsible for hiring and training competent people to drive the buses. Wanda Creel has already apologized this year for a “snafu” at transportation well this is what happens when you have a “snafu” look the word up it means “bad situation caused by incompetence” I hope when they get their attorney he has the good sense under the "open records act" to inquire about ALL training of ALL drivers at Barrow. I heard from someone that no longer works there that she was having a hard time getting her state mandated training records. Transportation said she did not receive all of her training last year but she drove all last year …. Hummmmmm where there is smoke there is fire!

#28.2.2.1 Sheesh on 09/15/11 at 09:42 AM

Actually, "Snafu" is an American term from WWII and stands for "Situation Normal: All "F...." up"

But don't let facts get in your way.

#28.2.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/17/11 at 12:00 PM

If you highlight the word "snafu" then right click your mouse go down to “look up” and it will tell you that the Encarta Dictionary English (North America) sna`fu (noun) bad situation caused by incompetence a mishap or mistake generally caused by incompetence and resulting in delay or confusion. Sna`fu (transitive and intransitive verb) spoil or be spoiled to cause a situation or process to become confused or delayed, generally by incompetence or delayed in this way SNAFU (abbreviation of ) SNAFU situation all fouled up
Maybe both are correct but don’t let facts get in YOUR way! In my opinion neither way is not good way to run the school system!

#28.2.2.1.1.1 Are you Kidding on 09/17/11 at 12:59 PM

You REALLY need to get a hobby. You are in every blog correcting people on punctuation and quoting definitions. I bet you were the type of person the would get a love note from your girlfriend and send it back too her with red ink all over it. Please tell me you are at least a teacher or college professor of some sort. If neither one, you have way too much time one your, you're, ur or whatever, hands

#28.2.2.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/17/11 at 01:31 PM

Umm, how do you know that "anonymous" is the same person each time an error is pointed out? This is going to come as shock to a clod-headed blue belly, but there are many people who know something about grammar, spelling, syntax and semantics. You seem rather thin-skinned when this topic arises. It obviously gores your ox. How many times has a lawyer exposed your shortcomings during a withering cross-examination? Are you one of those cops who hate, loathe and despise lawyers? Well, go polish your badge, Barney.

#28.2.2.1.1.1.1.1 Are you kidding on 09/17/11 at 01:53 PM

Actually it's not just anonymous it's anon too. My point is , let's try to keep on subject. If you are going spout off something you know NOTHING about and your only comeback is spelling and grammar, well your in the wrong post. As far as getting cross examined, I actually love it, that is when I am actually called to court. See us good cops, who make good cases, don't see court that often because even the lawyer knows his client is guilty. And as far as me despising lawyers...that would mean I despise my own wife because she is one.
You tried though, I'll give you that.

#28.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/17/11 at 03:24 PM

That's what the world needs: more female shysters.
Bet she doesn't practice criminal law. That wouldn't be much of a meal ticket for a gigolo. But, as for you, hope you are all straightened out on how the 'anonymous' and 'anon' works. As for your brilliant testimony, I have no doubt that you are skilled at Perjury. (But you darn sure flunk grammar.)

#28.2.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Are you kidding on 09/17/11 at 03:34 PM

Don't be mad that we are successful in our careers. Wait, I get it now, your just mad that you will need both of us one day, most likely her more then me. People like you get exposed sooner or later and it's the police who commit "perjury" who will be there when it happens. After I drop you off at the jail, remind me to give you my wifes business card. May come in handy.

#28.2.2.1.1.1.2 Anonymous on 09/17/11 at 02:52 PM

Your right this is after all---- BUrrOw county. I guess Creel has figured it out now that its BUrr-Ow county and you can’t change it into BArroW county…… And I guess she also knows DON’T Mess with the Band Kids!!!!

#28.2.2.2 leave him out on 09/15/11 at 06:43 PM

Poor Jake Grant. She has put him charge of so much just keep her name of commands. Makes it look as if he is doing all the calls. She has tried to make him her personal whipping boy.
Everybody sees this. Something goes wrong, ?she says it is his fault.

#29 something just isn't right on 09/15/11 at 02:21 PM

Whether dealing with principals, teachers, bus drivers or any other school employee in this county, it's obvious something is wrong.

Creel has created this adversarial environment with her temper rages and conspiracy accusations. She has no business being in charge of our school system at this point. I guess it is just a lack of experience doing this type of job, from what I've read.

The people we elected as our Board of Education members need to do something about her or things will get worse.

I will watch what happens and it will affect my vote next election.

#30 tom on 09/15/11 at 04:21 PM

Like I told Beth If they didn’t stop by the bus shop and stand around outside smoking you might get to another job or home before 9am or 5pm. Go by the bus shop (Hal Jackson rd) anytime any day and it looks like a herd of elephants standing around all they need is a bar and a stool. Real class act can’t wait to see that on the news. Maybe you could get some work done if you were not out there smoking all the time.

#31 Rhonda on 09/15/11 at 09:48 PM

Low morale leads to employees who are distracted because there mind is on the problems of their job instead of their job

#32 Tom on 09/16/11 at 11:27 AM

Deanna If they are so qualified to do the job why are there so many “snafu” going on in the system? I have every right to complain about the poor job creel, grant, young are doing my child rode on these buses until the last “snafu” If moral was not so low maybe drivers would come to work. In the past we did not have Mechanics driving and riding as monitors on the bus. Are the Mechanics trained or they an accident waiting to happen because their mind is on their first Job fixing the bus. I think you have earned your Brownies points for the day maybe they will throw you some crumbs are have they already done that and you are one of those under qualified over paid smoking office workers at the bus shop?

#33 Peggy on 09/16/11 at 12:31 PM

Will they have enough buses to get to the game this week. Last time the football team only got two buses and the rest of the players had to ride in cars.Do you think Creel will give in to the woes of the parents and send the Apalachee band four buses tonight??????? If I were a betting person I would say NO because when Creel makes a decision she will NOT back down no matter who it affects!!!!!! So get ready to either pack them on or drive them yourself like the football team did last week … real safe! But she always puts safety first!

#34 Anonymous on 09/16/11 at 03:27 PM

Did the band get enough buses???

#34.1 Yes on 09/17/11 at 05:58 AM

Yes they did. 4 buses and they were filled with band members and the correct number of personnel. Dr. Creel came and observed and checked out the safety. It was all very professional and low key and pleasant and sent a message to the parents that the lady did care.
The kids were great and they put on an awesome halftime show.

#34.1.1 really concerned parent on 09/17/11 at 08:55 AM

Any more whodo about Dr. Creel not caring? .... thought not.There was a problem , she responded and corrected it. is it really that hard for you ignoramuses to figure out? Way to go Dr. Creel, I and many others support you and your attempt to turn Barrow schools around.

#35 Tom get a grip!!! on 09/16/11 at 07:38 PM

In regards to your #32:

But then, we had people that were not reliable and had to stack kids on top of kids because there were no people to cover routes. Would you rather have someone trained and certified to drive these precious babies home or would you rather put them in harms way? Make up your mind because you kinda sound like a moron! Are you speaking from experience when you speak of under qualified over paid employees? Because to me you kinda sound like a disgruntled or former employee who just can't cut it as a bus driver.. It takes ignorant people to say things like this about people. And before we post our opinions, I would think it would be best to proofread your comment and correct any spelling errors we may have... Wouldn't you agree there Tommy boy?

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