School is back in session across the country, and teachers are on almost every parent’s mind. But what about bus drivers?
More than 25 million kids rely on the school buses and the people driving them to get to and from school every day, but few parents are able to form even a casual bond with these drivers.
Dave Cooke in Texas knows the name of each child who boards his vehicle. From the moment he picks up the first one to the moment he drops off the last one, he considers himself their guardian.
And on a recent afternoon, Cooke’s dedication was put to the test.
After he pulled over to let some children off at their stop, an erratic woman tried to board the bus. When he stepped in to stop her, she actually threatened to bite him—but he wouldn’t stand down.
Finally, with the help of a brave parent and a student, Cooke forcibly removed her from the bus stairs, reported KHOU.
Cooke drove away and called the police. Then he returned to the stop so the kids could get off at that stop.
The woman “appeared to be mentally unstable,” the district said in a statement, reported the Houston Chronicle.
“I made the decision that nobody that doesn’t have permission is going to get above that top step no matter what it takes,” Cooke said.
It’s worth it to take time to get to know your kid’s teachers, but don’t forget the school bus driver. And make sure your kids don’t either.
