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'Incident' involving young girl, bus monitor in northern Alberta: school district

(PHOTO: iStock)

EDMONTON (CITYNEWS) – A school district in northern Alberta says there was an “incident” involving a former employee and a young girl on a bus ride home last week.

On Dec. 13, the Northland School Division, which is just south of Fort McMurray, says a paid bus monitor rode the bus in the afternoon to ensure the safety of the students. The division says the monitor wrote a note to a young girl expressing his feelings towards her.

“With safety being a top priority for Anzac School and Bill Woodward School, we took immediate action upon being aware of the incident,” said NSD spokesperson Curtis Walty in an email. “The individual is no longer an employee of Northland School Division.”

Walty said after the incident teachers talked to students about safety on the bus and reassured that if there’s ever a concern to contact the school or a parent.

“We have also arranged to have Family Wellness Workers and counselors available to provide additional support to students and staff.”

We have reached out to RCMP regarding an investigation, which the NSD says is ongoing.

“[NSD] would like to express thanks to the RCMP for their prompt response to this incident and we appreciate the continued support from students, parents, and community members,” Walty said.

Police have yet to respond. In the meantime, NSD says it is reviewing to make sure “all proper procedures” were followed.