HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y.  — Parents urged Hoosick Falls School District school board members to reinstate school bus driver Leo Surdam after he was suspended for the way he allegedly dealt with a bullying incident on the bus, WNYT reports.

Earlier this month, when a fourth-grade student told Surdam two sixth graders were bullying her, he reportedly told them to stop and was accused of grabbing them by the shirt or jacket, the news outlet reports. One of the students tripped over a trash can and fell, and his parents filed a complaint with the school and police, according to WNYT. Surdam was charged with harassment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Parents gathered to tell school board members they thought Surdam did the right thing by trying to stop the bullying. A mother told the news outlet her third-grade son was choked by one of the sixth-grade students accused of bullying the girl.

The school superintendent told the crowd he understands the passion behind the issue, but board members are not allowed to discuss personnel issues with the public, according to WNYT. He also said the bus driver would get due process, including a hearing in which a recommendation will be made on Surdam's future with the district. Surdam will remain suspended until the police and internal investigation is over, the news outlet reports.

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