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Parents and students urge Northland Pines board to act after alleged bus incidents and bullying
Summary
Parents and students told the Nov. 18 board meeting about repeated bullying and a bus driver who they say left a child at school on 01/03/2024; commenters asked the board to increase accountability for the contracted bus company and consider bus aides or volunteers.
Several public commenters at the Northland Pines School Board meeting on Nov. 18 described bullying and a transportation incident they say left a child unattended.
Chelsea Sims (introduced by the chair as the first public commenter) described "numerous bullying encounters my child has experienced throughout the years" and said one episode on 01/03/2024 in Land O'Lakes involved a bus driver who "called my daughter a loser and left anyway," according to her account. Sims asked the board to take steps to hold the bus company accountable and to consider bus aides or parent volunteers to monitor routes.
A student who identified themself as Riley said classmates alerted families after noticing a student missing from a bus; Riley said attempts to reach school staff and the driver at the time were ineffective and that the situation left the student frightened. Another student identified as Ash complained of feeling marginalized and described incidents they characterized as transphobic by a teacher; Ash urged attention to school climate and staff behavior.
The board did not respond to individual public comments during the public-participation period, following its rules. The transcript records the allegations and requests but does not record any immediate directive to staff or a formal complaint outcome during the meeting.
Next steps: Commenters requested district follow-up; the transcript shows the board heard the statements but deferred formal responses to later administrative processes.
