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Investigation launched after Massachusetts third-grader misses his drop-off and wakes up alone in the bus station – Boston 25 News

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ORANGE, Mass. – School and transportation authorities have launched an investigation in the city of Orange after a 9-year-old boy fell asleep on the way to school and woke up alone in the school bus yard after missing his drop-off point.

The boy’s guardian, Teresa Ashby, reached out to Boston 25 and expressed concerns about the handling of the incident and communication about it.

Ashby says her grandson, a third-grader at Fisher Hill Elementary School, had no idea where he was when he woke up and had to push open the school bus door to alert an adult in the bus yard. According to Ashby, this farm is about two and a half miles from the school.

She says she learned what happened later that day when her grandson came home from school.

Ashby says she received a text message and email from the school on Friday saying the boy was absent, but was later told the boy was actually at school.

Boston 25 reached out to the school district and bus company about the incident.

“Please know that we are aware of this situation and it is currently under investigation,” said Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Zielinski. “Orange Elementary Schools contracts with a bus company to provide transportation. This company has been notified of this incident and it has also been reported to the appropriate state authorities.”

The manager of that company, Swift River Bus, says it is also investigating the incident and that action may be taken against the bus driver.

“Yes, a student was left on the bus,” said Dan Johnson, manager of Swift River Bus. “The driver returned to the bus station, walked through the bus and did not see the student under the seat. We are working closely with the school during the investigation. Once the investigation is complete, retraining and disciplinary action may be taken depending on the facts presented.”

“I didn’t move forward until they heard from (Boston 25),” said Ashy, who remains concerned about the lack of communication from the school.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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