Dear Florida Union Free School District families:
I want to update you on the latest information from yesterday afternoon’s (Sept. 7) school bus accident in the parking lot of the Golden Hill Elementary School.
I am very happy to report that all six of the students who were taken to area hospitals were treated and released yesterday. Four of the students were back in school this morning (Sept. 8).
The accident is still under investigation by the Town of Warwick police.
The Student Bus Company of Spring Valley is also investigating the incident to make sure that all safety protocols were followed. The bus company has assigned a different driver to the run.
The bus company has a safety manager on site during dismissal time, including one yesterday, to assist the drivers. All the school buses have cameras and seat belts as required by law. While we can’t force the students to use the seat belts, the safety manager will encourage them to put them on. We can notify parents of students who will not use the seatbelt.
The buses will continue to have the youngest students sit in the front.
The school district is currently looking into any and all additional safety improvements that can be made to ensure the well-being of all students including adding monitors on the bus.
I want to personally thank all the emergency services for their quick response including EMTs, firefighters and law enforcement, as well as the staff at Golden Hill Elementary School for their quick attention at the scene.
A crisis team remains available throughout the day today all day for students and staff.
Please know that nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our students. We will investigate this incident and redouble efforts to ensure safe transportation. I will provide updates as warranted.
Thank you.
Dr. Lisamarie Spindler
Superintendent