UPDATE at 6:30 pm: we have learned from an anonymous source close to the situation that Sharon's position will be reinstated by First Student bus company. Please note: we have not heard this from the bus company as they have not returned our call. Stay tuned.
Local social media channels are buzzing after a longtime Ridgefield bus driver and community volunteer, Sharon Scott, took to Facebook on Wednesday to share her experience driving her bus in the extreme heat.
Scott wrote, “The past two days were very hot and humid. Yesterday two of the bus drivers almost passed out and could not go home right away after work. Thankfully this didn’t happen while they were driving a bus. This afternoon I had to go into the middle school to be sick from the heat. I’ve been had to continue driving. I don’t remember driving home half of my kids this afternoon because it was so hot. Tomorrow is supposed to be worse! Everyone worries about enough sleep, seatbelts, etc. How about a safe ride home with an alert driver?”
This post led to Scott’s suspension, which came from First Student bus company.
Someone who read Scott’s post sent it to Ridgefield Public School Interim Superintendent, Dr. JeanAnn Paddyfote who immediately shared it with First Student bus company, asking about driving conditions. Paddyfote had no idea the series of events would lead to Scott’s suspension and did not ask that she be suspended. Her first concern was the safety of the students and the drivers.
Paddyfote called the bus company on Wednesday evening. “I asked if they believed the buses were too hot to transport the children safely,” she said. When they assured her that the situation was safe for both the drivers and the children and explained that the drivers can bring ice, water, and coolers, she took it a step further. “I called [the bus company] at 5am on Thursday morning to ask that they speak with all of the drivers.” She wanted the bus company to get the input of the drivers on the bus temperature and if it was safe, not just for the students, but for them. “It was still early enough to close school or have an early dismissal.” Again, they assured her it was safe.
Is Scott still suspended? Paddyfote did not know. The decision is up to First Student bus company. They are receiving many calls and would not speak with us directly but gave us the name of their Media Department, First Group America, who they said was handling the situation. Our call has not yet been returned.
The situation remains heated (no pun). We will provide updates when available.