Boy left on school bus for seven hours

The Sturgeon School Division is investigating how a young boy could have been left alone on a school bus for seven hours.

We are taking this very seriously because we will not accept it happening again, said Superintendent Michelle Dick.

The nine-year-old fell asleep and remained on the bus when the other children were dropped off at NamaoElementary School on Monday morning.

The driver then parked the bus at her homefor the day, leaving the student inside. The child wasnt found until the bus returned to school at the end of the day.

The school has a process to report student absences and check-up with parents but it wasnt followed in this case.

It is also a requirement for bus operators to check the bus once children have disembarked, Dick said. Clearly, that also didnt happen.

Dick said the school has apologized to the family and student in question. A letter has also been sent to parents about the incident.

Dick says a full written report about what happened is expected on her desk by Friday morning. She will then review the findings with the school principal and the division's manager of transportation.