Lake Hamilton Fires Bus Driver who Claims Student-Athlete Assaulted Her
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 9, 2012
A bus driver who spoke to KARK with concerns over discipline in the Lake Hamilton School District has been dismissed, and now the district is responding to her allegations.
Joyce O'Neal, 69, says a high school student and football player yelled profanities at her and assaulted her on a school bus on Sept. 25, but the student hadn't been disciplined.
On Tuesday, the district says the student has been disciplined, and superintendent Steve Anderson issued the following statement:
It is unethical and inappropriate for an employee of the school to discuss disciplinary issues with the general public or media. These are confidential issues that should only be discussed with the students parents, administrators, or law enforcement. Any allegation that this student or any student receives special treatment due to recreational activities in the district is unfounded and without factual basis.
According to O'Neal, she only contacted the media after her efforts to speak with school administrators were unsuccessful.
The Garland County Sheriff's Office is now conducting a felony battery investigation into the incident.
Continuing Coverage:
Joyce O'Neal, 69, says a high school student and football player yelled profanities at her and assaulted her on a school bus on Sept. 25, but the student hadn't been disciplined.
On Tuesday, the district says the student has been disciplined, and superintendent Steve Anderson issued the following statement:
It is unethical and inappropriate for an employee of the school to discuss disciplinary issues with the general public or media. These are confidential issues that should only be discussed with the students parents, administrators, or law enforcement. Any allegation that this student or any student receives special treatment due to recreational activities in the district is unfounded and without factual basis.
According to O'Neal, she only contacted the media after her efforts to speak with school administrators were unsuccessful.
The Garland County Sheriff's Office is now conducting a felony battery investigation into the incident.
Continuing Coverage:
