Riverdale Schools Accept Bus Driver Resignation Following Bus 17 Incident

Riverdale School’s Board of Education accepted the resignation of a bus driver at its meeting Monday evening after an incident involving Bus number 17 on Monday.

Superintendent Greg Rossman said the incident occurred when the driver stopped at a steep railroad crossing in Forest, and the he activated the lights and opened the door, which is the standard protocol at a railroad crossing.

The bus then slid backwards, and the driver accelerated, and the bus traveled off the right-side berm striking a railroad crossing pole.

A back window of the bus, with around 25 to 30 students on board, was broken.

The driver was able to finish the route, and all students were checked at the school.

None of the students were injured, and all parents were notified.

Rossman said that the district remains “steadfast in our commitment to student safety as our highest priority.”

He said following the incident a thorough investigation was started and has now concluded, and he confirmed that all students are safe.

He said the driver made a personal decision to submit his resignation.

The roads on Monday were slippery, and the school was operating on a two-hour delay.

Rossman said the incident will be used as a teaching opportunity for drivers on how to navigate that particular crossing, especially in those conditions.