Parents of students attending C.C. Hardy Elementary raised concerns involving the driver of Willis ISD Hardy PM Route 69.
According to a Hood News Peep, students reported that the driver threatened to turn off the air conditioning if they did not behave. Parents said the bus was extremely hot and that the children rode home with the windows down and no A/C.
One parent later approached the driver at the bus stop to discuss the concern. The parent alleges that the driver ended the conversation and closed the bus doors while the parent’s arm was near the doorway. Video submitted to Hood News captures part of that interaction.
The bus stop is near the neighborhood pavilion and office, where additional surveillance cameras captured the interaction.
Willis ISD provided the following statement:
“Yesterday evening, District administration was made aware of a concern involving the driver of Hardy PM Route 69 turning off the air conditioning in the bus. The District immediately began an investigation, and the driver has been placed on leave while that process is completed.
We want to be clear that the behavior reported is not acceptable. Air conditioning should never be used as a form of discipline. The safety, well-being, and dignity of our students are at the heart of everything we do. We know that when you put your child on a Willis ISD school bus, you are putting your trust in us, and we take that responsibility seriously.
Our bus drivers care deeply about our students and are often the first face your child sees as they begin their school day. They work hard every day to ensure our students arrive at school and back home safely and feeling cared for.
While we cannot comment on personnel matters, please know that we are taking this concern seriously and are committed to doing what is right for our students.
Thank you for your partnership and for trusting us with your children.
Sincerely,
Willis ISD Transportation Department”
