Carla Simmons, a bus driver for special‑needs routes at Hurst‑Euless‑Bedford ISD, told the board during public comment that she first reported an allergic reaction to the district’s SmartTag system to her supervisor in November 2024 and asked for accommodations that were denied.

"I first reported having an allergic reaction to the SmartTag system in November 2024," Simmons said. She told the board she repeatedly asked supervisors and the assistant supervisor for monitoring or other accommodations and that the responses were "no." Simmons said the device left her in pain during multi‑hour shifts and that she was hospitalized because of the condition.

Simmons said she provided a doctor’s note when school resumed but that the district would not accept it without a disability determination and that she had to use personal and sick days while seeking clarification. "I was hospitalized because of this," she said.

Supporters who spoke afterward described what they called punitive treatment and urged trustees to investigate. Walter Simmons said the district would not send Ms. Simmons to a specialist and that she ultimately lost her job for lacking a definitive return date from a doctor.

District officials responded from the dais by outlining the formal grievance process and directing Simmons to speak with Hector in Human Resources to start that procedure. The presiding official said the grievance policy exists for concerns that might be violations of district policy and that HR staff could walk her through next steps.

The board did not take a separate public vote or formal action on the allegation during the meeting; trustees moved on to other agenda items after offering information about the grievance avenue. The speaker who presented donations and other staff reiterated that personnel‑level matters follow the district’s established complaint and grievance procedures.

What happens next: Ms. Simmons was advised to file a formal grievance with HR; the board did not announce any immediate, board‑level investigation or personnel action during the session.