Parent demands inquiry into Waterford Transportation's child drop-off policies after distressing incident

During the recent Waterford Board of Education meeting held on May 15, 2025, a significant concern was raised regarding the safety protocols of the Waterford Transportation system. A parent shared a troubling experience involving her five-year-old daughter, who was dropped off at a bus stop without an adult present, leading to a distressing situation for the child.

The parent recounted that her daughter, who was supposed to be at childcare, accidentally took the bus home. Upon arriving at the stop, the child found no one there to greet her. The parent expressed her shock at learning that the transportation policy allows children in first grade and older to be dropped off without adult supervision. This policy raises questions about the safety of young children in potentially hazardous situations, especially when they are left alone in busy areas.

The parent detailed her conversation with Tammy Leighton, a transportation supervisor, who stated that it was the parent's responsibility to ensure after-school arrangements. Leighton maintained that the bus driver acted appropriately, despite the child’s report that the driver instructed her to walk home. The parent reviewed bus footage, which showed her daughter hesitating and expressing uncertainty about walking home alone. The footage revealed the child waiting outside, visibly upset, for an extended period before being able to enter her home.

This incident is not isolated; the parent noted a previous occurrence involving another child and a bus driver’s inappropriate comment. These events have prompted the parent to call for a review of the transportation policies and procedures to ensure the safety of students.

The board's response to this issue remains to be seen, but the parent’s testimony highlights a growing concern among community members regarding the adequacy of safety measures in place for young students. As the board continues its discussions, the implications of these policies on child safety and parental peace of mind are likely to be a focal point in future meetings.