Transportation Director Leaves Blaine County Schools After Bus Crash
HAILEY, Idaho (KLIX) Blaine County School District officials say the transportation director resigned after a bus loaded with students rolled in late April sending 12 to the hospital.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Superintendent Dr. GwenCarol Holmes said during their investigation into the April 18 bus crash, they discovered a failure to follow internal procedures and codes of ethics in the supervision of their drivers. The superintendent says they are taking actions to make sure it doesn't happen again.
We are deeply saddened by the accident, and we are continuing to do everything we can to help our students heal both physically and emotionally. We are continuing to review our internal procedures. We are re-emphasizing to our employees that compassion and concern for a fellow employee must never take precedence over our responsibilities for the safety of our students. We are continuing to cooperate with Idaho State Police in their investigation of the accident." said Dr. Holmes in the statement.
The driver of the bus, 67-year-old Richard Mecham, drove off the shoulder of U.S. Highway 26 and rolled the it while taking a Carey School track team to a meet. Idaho State Police say charges are pending as the investigation continues.
Editors note: story updated to reflect that the transportation director resigned and was not fired.