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Bus driver suspended with pay amidst ongoing investigation

A Franklin County bus driver has been suspended with pay pending the completion of an internal investigation, the Franklin Free Press has learned.

The bus driver, whose name is being withheld pending the outcome of the investigation, was notified Monday of the suspension, according to Franklin County superintendent of education Greg Hamilton.

The investigation centers around a Facebook video posted by a parent that he says shows the bus traveling 70 miles-per-hour on County Road 41. The bus transports students to and from Belgreen School.

Hamilton said the investigation includes interviewing the bus driver, who has obtained legal representation, as well as contacting International, the bus manufacturer, to obtain information on the most recent high speed on the bus the last time it was used.

“The investigation is ongoing. I will make a further statement when it is concluded,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said he was contacted last weekend about the video, not by the individual who posted it, but by other concerned parents. He did not specify when the investigation would be completed but did say he hoped to have it concluded by next week.

“There's no set time frame. We make sure student safety is a top priority in our system," Hamilton said. "At the same time, I support my employees, and I will give the investigation its due diligence. But let me be clear. Student safety is a top priority."

Hamilton addressed the investigation at Tuesday's meeting of the Franklin County Board of Education. In other action, the board:

•Aproved several out-of-state trips, including: Red Bay sixth grade to Tupelo on May 5; Red Bay Health Science Class/HOSA to International HOSA Conference in Orlando, FL, June 19-25; Red Bay sophomore class to Bass Pro Shop and Incredible Pizza Company in Memphis on May 2; Vina kindergarten class to Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo on April 13; Red Bay Health Science class to St. Jude Hospital and Memphis Zoo on April 25.

•Awarded bid to Charter/Spectrum as lowest responsible bidder for WAN and Internet Access for Franklin County Schools at bid price of $89,544.

•Approved resignation in supplement for Jonathan Odom, Tharptown head boys basketball coach and Marc Tracy, Tharptown head varsity girls basketball coach.

•Approved employment of Sean Pruett, bus shop assistant, effective April 3.

•Approved Kristin Pichelmayer as a new teacher substitute.

The next regular meeting for the board is set for Tuesday, April 25, at 5:15 p.m., with work session at 5 p.m.

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