Police, school investigating incident on Jennings Co. special transportation bus

School says it is increasing safety protocols

(NORTH VERNON, Ind.) – The North Vernon Police Department is investigating an alleged incident that occurred on a Jennings County special transportation bus. 

While police are not confirming the following information, a parent alleges that her that 7-year-old son was raped on a bus by an older student. 

Investigators are not sharing specific details, however, did confirm that the alleged event took place on April 16 and one boy was taken to a detention facility. 

The Jennings County School Corporation released a statement saying they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of students. 

School officials say they are also increasing safety protocols on special transportation buses. 

“Our special transportation buses have additional adult supervision, a recorded monitoring system, and fewer students. We will be further adding safety measures to seat students individually when possible,” the school said. “If students must be seated in assigned pairs, they will be grouped with similar-aged peers, and additional adult supervision will be provided on that bus. We will also be requiring similar peer aged seating on all general education bus routes,” the school said. 

The school corporation added, “We sincerely care about the safety and well-being of our students and will work together with our families to support their needs and help address any parent concerns. This incident does not represent our values or our care for students, and we will work diligently to address that concern. We are consulting with our local law enforcement and agencies for any additional suggestions or recommendations to support the type of safe and caring environment we strive to provide on our transportation and in all environments of our schools”