Statement from SDOC

Within the last week, there have been three instances of parents boarding their student’s school bus to address the bus driver or another student.  At no time were any students in danger.  However, these actions are unacceptable and are actually against the law.  SC 59-67-245 states:

“No person shall willfully and wrongfully interfere with the operation of a school bus, either public or private, by boarding, restricting movement or using threats, either physical or verbal, to the driver or any passenger while the bus is engaged in the transportation of pupils to and from school or any lawful school activity or while passengers are entering or leaving the bus nor shall any person willfully fail or refuse to obey a lawful order of a school bus driver relating to the occupancy of a school bus. The use of threatening, obscene or profane language addressed to the driver or any passenger entering, leaving, or waiting for a school bus is disorderly conduct and any person convicted for the use of such language shall be punished as provided in Section 16-17-530. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to infringe upon the power and duties of duly constituted authorities.”

The district would like to remind parents to reach out to their student’s school if they have an issue involving a situation that occurred on a school bus. Please note, the district may contact law enforcement to pursue the appropriate charges if a parent or any other adult interferes with the operation of a school bus as defined in the law.