AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin Independent School District (AISD) bus monitor is under investigation by the AISD police department for allegedly taping an autistic student’s mouth shut, KTBC reports.
The student, 6-year-old Jean Paul Fontanez, was on the bus with his older brother, Juan Carlos Fontanez, who told the news outlet that he witnessed the incident, which occurred in mid-November. He said the monitor placed tape on his brother’s mouth while they were on the bus because “he repeats a lot of stuff,” and that his brother took the tape off and the monitor put it back on. He added that he was afraid to tell his parents. His father, Luis Fontanez, told KTBC that his son waited to tell him about what happened because the monitor told him not to say anything to his parents.
Kocurek Elementary School's interim principal contacted parents about the alleged incident and said the bus monitor resigned and that AISD police are investigating the incident, according to the news outlet.
To read the full story, go here.
Bus monitor accused of taping student’s mouth shut
The autistic student’s brother said the monitor, who worked for the Austin (Texas) Independent School District, did it because “he repeats a lot of stuff.” District police are investigating the alleged incident.
More Special Needs Transportation

Special-Needs Transportation Shifts in 2026: More Riders, More Tech, New Pressures [Survey Report]
What’s changing in special-needs transportation? Operators report a rising need, easing driver shortages, growing tech adoption, and emerging challenges. Details here! Survey sponsor: AMF Bruns of America.
Read More →
New Jersey Legislature Approves Special Education Transportation Task Force
The state moves to review special education transportation policies following safety concerns raised by families and advocates.
Read More →3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers
Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.
Read More →
Why Student Privacy Matters in Special-Needs School Transportation
Learn more about what federal law really allows when sharing special-needs information with bus drivers and aides while protecting student privacy.
Read More →
AMF Bruns Celebrates 2025 Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year
Julio Ospina, a SPED driver and safety trainer at Wylie ISD in Texas, was named the national winner in AMF's annual driver award series.
Read More →
Safety Leadership for School Bus Operations
The most important factor in operating as safely as possible is leadership. Learn about an innovative new training course that teaches all levels of leadership the many practices to instill a safety culture in the drivers.
Read More →
Your Insights Needed: 2026 Special Needs Survey Now Open
Help shape the 2026 state of Special-Needs Transportation report! School district and contractor leaders — share your notes on ridership, equipment, and staffing by Dec. 31, 2025.
Read More →eBook: Good for the Fleet, Good for the Community
Learn how modern telematics helps pupil transportation fleets operate more safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively while proving measurable value to their communities. See how real fleets are reducing idling, improving driver safety, and using video data to protect budgets and passengers alike.
Read More →
Survey: Homeless Student Identification Rises for Third Consecutive Year
New data reveals frontline perspectives on supporting some of America’s most vulnerable students, detailing transportation challenges and possible solutions.
Read More →
From Driver to Mentor: Kala Henkensiefken's Legacy in Special Education Transportation
For decades, Henkensiefken has been a cornerstone of special education transportation in Minnesota. As she prepares for retirement, her career reflects on the industry's evolution and her unwavering commitment to its advancement.
Read More →
