(KWNO)-A Winona mom is trying to bring attention to a bullying incident involving her 6-year-old daughter on a Winona Area Public Schools bus. Jasmine Brown’s daughter Isabella was crying and very upset when she got off the bus after her first day of kindergarten at Rollingstone Elementary. Jasmine recorded a video of Isabella that was posted to Facebook and has received close to 14, 000 views and more than 150 comments. Isabella told her mom kids in the back of the bus were “being mean to her and bullying her, poking her and touching her and in her bubble.” Jasmine also said Isabella’s bus was two hours late dropping Isabella off and that the driver didn’t know the route and got lost. The bus is operated for Winona Area Public Schools by First Student. WAPS Transportation Director Casey Indra said the district is working to ensure buses run on time.
WAPS administrators found about bullying and behavioral issues through social media, according to Indra, and reached out to parents whose kids were affected. Indra said all school buses have cameras and if a child is acting out and can be identified the principal of the school that child attends is notified and the child is punished if necessary.
Brown would like to see more funding to hire aides for all buses to assist drivers in controlling kids who act out. Indra says there are “some buses we never hear from at all and others we hear from on a monthly basis.” Indra encourages parents to contact his office regarding any concerns they have about busing.
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