DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Public Schools district has implemented a new policy in response to a recent assault on a bus driver. The purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety of DPS employees, particularly bus drivers, and includes more serious consequences for policy violators, such as involving the police and filing criminal charges.
Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. emphasized the importance of respectful behavior towards school staff and bus drivers, urging parents to remain calm and respectful in their interactions. The alleged assailant, Mar’tia Franklin, was indicted by a grand jury on a felony assault charge for the attack on the bus driver and is scheduled to enter a plea at her next court appearance on Jan. 11.
The district issued a statement outlining the new approach to handling policy violators, emphasizing the immediate involvement of the police and filing criminal charges for any violations. This proactive change aims to enhance the safety and security of all DPS employees, with a specific focus on safeguarding bus drivers.
The district also emphasized that any behavior jeopardizing the safety of DPS employees will not be tolerated and thanked those who have shown support for the bus driver involved in the incident. The statement provided examples of violations that would warrant police involvement, including boarding a bus without authorization, threatening an employee, and being on district property without permission.
In summary, the Dayton Public Schools district has emphasized the importance of creating a safer environment for its employees, particularly bus drivers, through the implementation of a new policy with more serious consequences for policy violators. The district is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its staff and has urged parents to remain calm and respectful in their interactions with school staff and bus drivers.