School bus rolls past stop sign in Fabens

When kids scurry off to catch the bus for school, there is an expectation that they will be safely transported to class, but for some Fabens school children that may not be the case.

Raquel Cejudo said she drives behind school bus 924 “almost every morning” on her way to work, and regularly witnesses the bus driver neglect to follow traffic rules.

“She runs three stop signs,” said Cejudo. “We’re putting or kids safety in her hands.”

Outraged by what she saw, Cejudo said she told her son to record the bus as it rolled past a stop sign last week.

ABC 7 found school bus 924 in Fabens, parked behind David Sublasky Head Start, which is run by Region 19 Education Service Center.

Spokesman Mark de Santos issued a statement to ABC 7 in response to the incident.

“The safety of our children is our first priority, especially when transporting them to and from our centers. We have measures in place to ensure proper driving methods and road safety.”

De Santos said the incident was documented, and the bus driver “will follow an appropriate disciplinary plan.” He said other transportation employees will undergo additional training.

“We encourage the community to always report on situations that may endanger the safety of our children, but also ask that they do it responsibly,” said de Santos.

The filmed traffic violations are an isolated incident, according to de Santos. He said the bus driver felt threatened because she was being recorded, and wanted to reach her destination faster.

When asked, Cejudo said she has no personal relationship to the driver.

If you witness a dangerous driving situation is encouraged by de Santos to contact the Region 19 ESC transportation department at 790-4676.