DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Public Schools is implementing new protocols for handling policy violators following a violent attack on a school bus driver. Interim Superintendent Dr. David Lawrence announced that the district will now involve the police and file criminal charges for any violations of school policies, in an effort to prioritize the safety and security of all employees, especially bus drivers.
Previously, the protocol was to issue trespass notices and only involve law enforcement for subsequent violations. However, the district has now expanded the examples of violations that warrant police involvement. Such violations include unauthorized boarding of a school bus, threatening an employee, or being on district property without permission. These changes come in the wake of an incident in which a mother boarded a bus and physically assaulted the bus driver, resulting in criminal charges being filed against her.
Mar’Tia Franklin, 29, was indicted on one count of felonious assault after she boarded a school bus and attacked the driver, accusing her of purposefully leaving her child at the bus stop. Video footage from inside the bus showed Franklin physically assaulting the driver. The district’s proactive change in policy aims to prevent such incidents and enhance the safety of all employees.
Moving forward, Dayton Public Schools is committed to prioritizing the safety and security of its employees, with a specific focus on safeguarding bus drivers. This new approach seeks to prevent future incidents of violence and ensure a secure environment for both employees and students.
In response to the changing landscape and concerns about safety, the district’s decision to involve law enforcement in policy violations reflects a commitment to proactive measures and a focus on prevention. The implementation of these new protocols highlights the district’s determination to prioritize the well-being of its employees and create a secure learning environment for all.