The “unauthorized school bus” reported to be offering rides to Battle Ground students last week was nothing more than a new bus driver and a trainer, according to a statement released Tuesday afternoon by the Battle Ground Police Department.
“The investigation confirmed that the bus in question was a school district bus occupied by a new driver and a trainer who were on legitimate business conducting a bus stop exercise,” the statement said.
Monday night, after reports surfaced on social media of an unauthorized school bus offering rides, Battle Ground school officials alerted parents.
The information reported to the district by concerned parents prompted the district to notify families to ensure safety and err on the side of caution during the investigation.
Sean Chavez, district spokesman, said that no incidents were reported to police or the school district, but that district officials heard about it through parents’ discussing it online.
“It happened last week,” Chavez said. “No one was hurt. No one was picked up.”
In a message sent to parents Monday night, district officials said, “as per our policy, we do not ask children if they need a ride, and we only transport students to designated locations at designated times.”
Officials warned parents to allow students to get on a bus only if it has either “Battle Ground Public Schools” or “Cascade Student Transportation” on the side. They also advised that students be picked up only at normal times and designated places of pick-up and said parents are free to ask the driver for identification.
