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Last week, the Winston-Salem Police Department charged an individual with felony assault of a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School bus driver at a bus lot in October. The incident will result in some new “behavioral expectations” for bus riders across the district.

“We were shocked and saddened by this attack on a long-standing district employee who is beloved by many of her students. Our bus drivers are so important to the safety of our children. They deserve our thanks and respect. We cannot comprehend why someone would do this,” said Superintendent Tricia McManus. “We are grateful to the Winston-Salem Police Department for their diligence in pursuing this case and bringing forward these charges.”

In response to driver concerns, in January, the district will launch a new, universal set of behavioral expectations for bus riders, called WS/FCS R.I.D.E.S. It also sets expectations for students, drivers and parents around respectful communication and safe behaviors on a bus. The educational campaign will also remind parents and guardians that they should not board a bus without permission from a district employee. It is illegal for a parent to trespass on a school bus.

“We work hard to model nonviolent resolutions to conflict for our students, and we need the grownups in their lives to set a good example as well. Violence is never the solution, and we will pursue all legal options for adults who unlawfully board our buses,” McManus said.

Families that have questions or concerns about the bus driver or bus operations should contact their school principals.