Grand Forks Bus Driver Suspended After Parent Complaints
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (northwestmnnow.com) — A Grand Forks school bus driver has been suspended following complaints about the treatment and safety of elementary students.
Parents accused the Valley Bus driver of speeding and using profanity toward children riding the bus.
The driver transported students attending Viking Elementary School and Ben Franklin Elementary School in Grand Forks.
Valley Bus announced the suspension Wednesday, October 7, 2026, while the company investigates the complaints.
Parent Claims Children Were Dropped Off Far From Home
One parent raised concerns about where several children were dropped off after riding the bus.
According to the parent, their child and several other students were left more than half a mile from home.
The parent told Valley News Live that a woman passing by noticed the children and stopped to help.
The woman reportedly checked on the students and walked them safely home.
Other parents raised concerns about alleged speeding and inappropriate language directed at children.
The allegations prompted questions about student safety and the driver’s conduct during the route.
The company has not publicly announced its final findings.
Valley Bus Suspends Driver Pending Investigation
Valley Bus confirmed the suspension in a Facebook statement Wednesday.
The company said it takes complaints about student transportation and driver behavior seriously.
Officials emphasized that students must be transported safely and treated respectfully, regardless of their behavior.
Valley Bus said the driver’s actions are being reviewed and promised an update once the investigation is complete.
The company has not announced when the review will end.
Grand Forks Public Schools Responds
Grand Forks Public Schools also released a statement acknowledging the reported incidents.
The district confirmed it is working with Valley Bus Services to investigate the concerns.
School officials emphasized that student safety and well-being remain their highest priority.
The district said adults working with students must act professionally and treat children with respect.
Officials declined to release additional information while the review continues.
The district directed questions about the incident and investigation to Valley Bus Services.
Who Is Responsible for Grand Forks School Buses?
Valley Bus provides transportation services to Grand Forks Public Schools under a district contract.
The company operates school buses and employs drivers serving several elementary, middle, and high schools.
Grand Forks Public Schools began working with Valley Bus in 2023.
The district maintains oversight of student transportation services while the company manages its drivers and buses.
Parents Can Contact Valley Bus With Concerns
Families with questions about bus routes or transportation concerns can contact Valley Bus directly.
The company’s official Grand Forks contact number is 701-772-0601.
Additional information is available through the Valley Bus Grand Forks website.
Parents can also review transportation information through Grand Forks Public Schools.
The allegations and suspension were first detailed in reports by Valley News Live and KNOX News Radio.
The driver’s name has not been publicly released.
I’m David Keller reporting for Northwest MN Now News.
Copyright 2026 northwestmnnow.com. All rights reserved.
