Bus drivers could be given authority to search students

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Vigo County School Corp. bus drivers could be given the power to search students and their belongings under a proposal before the district’s school board.

Under the proposal, a driver would have to have a reasonable suspicion that a student has an item or substance, like drugs or a weapon, that puts others on the bus in danger. The driver would then have to get permission from the district’s transportation department before searching a student or his or her belongings, WTHI reports.

Ray Azar, director of student services for Vigo County School Corp., told the news source that bus drivers would be trained on proper searching techniques, and that they would only search a student in an emergency.

He added that the school board will likely vote on the changes during a meeting in July.