Valley Bus Suspended Driver After Profanity Allegations
A bus driver has been removed from his route following claims he used inappropriate language with students.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Secondary Education
Valley Bus suspended a driver on Wednesday after reports emerged that he cursed at students on a school bus. The incident involved a route serving Viking Elementary School and Ben Franklin Elementary School in Grand Forks.
Why it matters
The suspension follows concerns raised by student families regarding the safety and professional conduct of the driver. As the bus service is contracted out, officials are now examining available internal recordings to address the allegations.
The driver identified a speed of 22 miles per hour while discussing the incident. Concerned parties may reach the bus manager for inquiries at 701-670-6303.
The players
Valley Bus
This transportation company manages hiring, background checks, and bus operations for the local school district.
Grand Forks Public Schools
This educational institution oversees the district served by the bus routes in question.
The details
Valley Bus, which has handled transportation for Grand Forks Public Schools since 2023, is currently reviewing onboard video footage to confirm the claims. The Grand Forks School District clarified that it does not directly own the vehicles used by the contractor.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 7, 2026: The driver was suspended and the incident was recorded on video.
2023: Valley Bus began its partnership with Grand Forks Public Schools.
Culture Shift
This incident underscores the rising tension in school districts nationwide as they navigate the complexities of privatized student transit. It reflects a growing scrutiny regarding the oversight of third-party staff hired to serve public education sectors.
Parents with students attending Viking or Ben Franklin elementary schools should expect ongoing evaluations of transportation protocols. Families can contact the bus manager directly to address specific safety concerns regarding their daily routes.
The takeaway
Parents should maintain open lines of communication with school administration when concerns about student safety arise on private transport. Prompt reporting of behavioral incidents ensures that service providers can conduct timely reviews to maintain professional standards.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic policies on the Secondary Education page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Grand Forks Herald.
