2 suspended after Camden child left on school bus

A school bus driver and an aide were suspended yesterday over allegations that they left a Camden elementary school student on a bus for more than four hours Monday.

The two, who were not identified, allegedly failed to do a seat check before leaving the bus. Their employer, Student Transportation of America, one of five bus companies under contract to the Camden School District, suspended them pending a company investigation.

The student was supposed to arrive at Thomas H. Dudley Elementary School at 8:30 a.m. When the child did not show up, a school employee followed district policy and called the home, said David Shafter, school board secretary and district business administrator.

The child's mother then called the district, which notified the bus company. Bus personnel found the vehicle in a lot with the child inside, Shafter said.

No details were released about the child, who Shafter said was unharmed. The mother declined an offer to have the youngster checked medically, he said.

Three years ago, an aide and another driver for Student Transportation of America were arrested in South Jersey after they left a young child on a bus.

The child, who was not from Camden, was found wandering the streets. As a result, a state law was passed requiring sanctions for school drivers who fail to adequately check their buses. Penalties include suspension or loss of bus-driving licenses.

Camden police officials could not be reached yesterday to comment on any possible criminal charges.