Bus Driver Fired After Dragging Child by Backpack

A Barrow County school bus driver has been fired after dragging a 5-year-old student about 40 feet past her bus stop. 

Cindy Beggs, administrative assistant to Barrow County Schools superintendent Wanda Creel, confirmed today that the driver was dismissed effective Sept. 14 for not following transportation safety protocols.

“In the investigation we determined that the safety methods that we teach our drivers just was not followed,” said Jake Grant, assistant superintendent for facilities and operations. “We always, always, in everything we do keep the safety of our students and staff at the forefront. This was a violation of an important safety protocol.”

Grant wouldn't confirm the name of the bus driver.

The incident occurred Friday, Sept. 9, when student Alexis Luvell's backpack got caught in the school bus doors, leaving her dangling from the bus as it traveled about 40 feet past her stop.

The driver was suspended pending an investigation into the incident but is no longer employed with the school system.