A South Carolina mother, Myeisha Marks, is speaking out after her 4-year-old son, Shamiar Smith Jr., was allegedly left on a school bus and then handed off to a stranger earlier this month. The incident, which occurred in Horry County, has left the family traumatized and demanding answers from the school district.
Marks recounts the harrowing experience to PEOPLE, explaining she was celebrating her birthday two hours away in Charleston when she received a frantic call from her sister. Shamiar had not gotten off the bus at his usual stop. Initially, the bus driver claimed to have checked the bus thoroughly but not found the young boy. However, after Marks contacted Aynor Elementary School, the story changed dramatically.
The school reached out to the driver, who then admitted to finding Shamiar asleep under a coat. Instead of returning him to the school or contacting authorities, the driver allegedly handed Shamiar off to a neighbor. This set off a terrifying chain of events for Marks and her family.
Marks’ sister rushed to the neighbor’s house, only to discover Shamiar was not there. The neighbors hadn’t seen him either. Panic set in as Marks frantically called the school again. To her immense relief, she learned Shamiar was back at the school. A “stranger,” the principal explained, had just dropped him off.
The following day, Marks reviewed the bus surveillance video and alleges that the driver’s account of events was inaccurate. “[Shamiar] wasn’t even balled up on the coat. He was laying against the window,” Marks alleges. “His face, everything was exposed.” The incident was first reported by CBS affiliate WBTW.
Horry County Schools released a statement to PEOPLE, acknowledging the incident and stating that “Procedures from that day are under review and will be addressed appropriately with personnel.” The district emphasized its existing safety protocols, which include seating charts, student tag programs, and driver interaction, and is reviewing its tagged child program to identify areas for improvement.
Marks eventually met with the woman who returned Shamiar to the school, expressing her gratitude. The woman, according to Marks, described Shamiar as being “terrified” during the ordeal. He was scared to go with her and visibly shaken by the entire situation.
Despite filing a complaint with the school and bus office, Marks had not received a response as of December 19th. The principal, however, has apologized, assuring her the incident will not be repeated. The driver has been removed from that specific bus route. Horry County Schools did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further comment.
The incident has had a profound impact on Shamiar, who is in the process of being diagnosed with autism. He previously loved riding the bus, but now experiences severe anxiety. Marks shares that Shamiar expresses fear of being given to a stranger again, requiring constant reassurance from his mother. The ordeal has taken a toll on both Shamiar and his mother.
The Importance of School Bus Safety Procedures
This incident highlights the critical importance of robust school bus safety procedures. While Horry County Schools outlines its existing protocols, the fact that Shamiar was left on the bus and handed off to a stranger raises serious concerns about their implementation and effectiveness.
Key Safety Measures for School Buses:
- Thorough Bus Checks: Drivers must conduct comprehensive checks at the end of each route to ensure no child is left behind. This includes visually inspecting all seats and under seats.
- Student Tagging Systems: Tagging systems can help track students getting on and off the bus, providing an extra layer of accountability.
- Communication Protocols: Clear communication channels between drivers, schools, and parents are essential for addressing any issues promptly. This includes procedures for reporting missing children and notifying parents immediately.
- Background Checks and Training: Thorough background checks and comprehensive training for bus drivers are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students. Training should cover emergency procedures, student management, and recognizing signs of distress in children.
- Regular Safety Drills: Regular safety drills can help familiarize students and drivers with emergency procedures, ensuring they know what to do in unexpected situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about School Bus Safety
What should parents do if their child does not get off the bus?
Contact the school and transportation department immediately to report the missing child.
Are there regulations for school bus safety?
Yes, there are state and federal regulations governing school bus safety, including requirements for driver training, bus maintenance, and safety equipment.
How can parents help ensure their child’s safety on the bus?
Teach children bus safety rules, such as waiting for the bus to stop completely before approaching, staying seated while the bus is moving, and following the driver’s instructions. Communicate with the school about any concerns regarding your child’s bus route or driver.
