VERNON, N.J. — CBS New York reports that a Sussex County school bus driver may face criminal charges after allegedly leaving two special-needs students inside a hot bus for nearly an hour.
Vernon Township Schools Superintendent Charles Maranzano told CBS New York that when a parent called to find out where his child was, the school board called Macnova, the bus company contracted to transport summer program students. When they couldn’t reach the contractor, they called police. Police said they found the bus outside the home of the bus company owner, according to the news outlet.
The children, ages 7 and 9, had been trapped inside the bus for more than 45 minutes with the windows up and no air conditioning. The children were reported to have been dehydrated but otherwise unharmed, according to CBS New York.
Maranzano told the news outlet, “When we asked the bus company to explain, they said the bus driver had an emergency and the children were on an air-conditioned bus, they were attended to by an adult, and we found out very quickly that was not the case.” The district and the prosecutor’s office are reviewing that account to determine whether there will be charges. Charges may include endangering the welfare of a child and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, according to CBS New York. Investigators are reviewing videotape from inside the bus.
To read the full story, click here.
Driver allegedly left special-needs kids alone on bus without air conditioning
Two Vernon (N.J.) Township Schools students, ages 7 and 9, are found after having been trapped inside the bus for more than 45 minutes with the windows up. The driver may face criminal charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person.
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 →
