News Summary

Parents of students at Forbes Middle School in Georgetown are outraged after a bus driver detained students for over an hour due to a suspected marijuana presence. The delay coincided with a bomb threat at a nearby high school, prompting concerns about safety and inadequate communication. Despite the district’s emphasis on safety protocols, parents are demanding accountability and a formal apology for the distress caused. Georgetown ISD is also addressing significant growth with plans for new schools, but parents seek reassurances about student welfare amid these developments.

Georgetown Parents Demand Apology After Bus Incident

Georgetown, TX – Parents of students at Forbes Middle School are expressing outrage following an incident where a bus driver detained students for over an hour based on suspicion of marijuana presence. The situation escalated during a bomb threat at the nearby Georgetown ISD high school, compounding parental concerns regarding student safety and communication from the district.

The bus incident began when the driver, suspecting the presence of marijuana, called law enforcement for assistance. While police were responding, students remained on the bus for approximately 45 minutes, unable to exit. Four police units arrived at the scene to address the situation. Officers subsequently escorted students off the bus one by one after the prolonged delay.

During this time, parents expressed frustration over what they perceived as inadequate communication from the school district. Notifications regarding the delay were sent through the district’s SMART Tag system, which tracks bus routes and informs parents of delays. However, many parents believed that more immediate and direct communication was necessary during the incident.

Georgetown ISD representatives acknowledged the situation, emphasizing that the safety of students is the district’s top priority. They noted that the bus driver followed established training protocols by seeking additional support when suspicions arose. The district stated it would work with the bus driver to address parental concerns following this incident.

New Schools Under Construction Amid Population Growth

As parents contend with these recent events, Georgetown ISD is simultaneously dealing with significant growth within the district. Superintendent Dr. Devin Padavil revealed that the district has seen an influx of approximately 500 new students in the past year alone. In response to this growth, Georgetown ISD has commenced construction on two new schools located near Eastview High School on Patriot Way.

The new facilities include the district’s 12th elementary school and its fifth middle school, both part of a bond package approved by voters in 2024. This expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding and adjust to the shifting demographics in the eastern region of the district. The new schools are scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, providing essential resources for a burgeoning student population.

Parents Seek Accountability and Responses

In the wake of the bus incident, the parents at Forbes Middle School are looking for accountability and a clear response from the school district. They have articulated the need for an explanation surrounding the actions taken by the bus driver and police, as well as a formal apology acknowledging the distress caused to students and families during the ordeal.

Safety protocols and communication strategies within Georgetown ISD are under scrutiny as parents demand reassurances that student welfare remains at the forefront of decision-making within the district. The school board may need to consider enhanced policies or procedures to address these grievances and to bolster confidence among families regarding the handling of such situations in the future.

The district’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by parents will be crucial in restoring trust and ensuring that student safety continues to be a paramount priority amidst the challenges of rapid expansion and unforeseen incidents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Georgetown Constructs New Schools to Meet Growing Demand
Georgetown High School Chaos Following Bomb Threat

Additional Resources

• Fox 7 Austin: Georgetown ISD Parents Demand Apology After Bus Incident
• KXAN: Georgetown ISD Adding New Schools as City Grows
• Community Impact: Georgetown ISD Receives C Accountability Rating for 2022-23 School Year
• KVUE: Georgetown ISD Groundbreaking Two New Schools
• Community Impact: Georgetown ISD Weighs Potential Personnel Cuts Amid Funding Concerns
• Wikipedia: Georgetown, Texas
• Google Search: Georgetown ISD
• Google Scholar: Georgetown ISD
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown, Texas
• Google News: Georgetown ISD