Miles Jenkins, a 77-year-old school bus driver, was arrested and charged with simple battery following an incident involving a student from Marrero Middle School in Jefferson Parish. After being detained by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jenkins has been released on bond.
The arrest on Monday (Oct. 30) came after a video, recorded by another student on the bus, was brought to the attention of the authorities by a relative of the student involved. The footage appears to show Jenkins shoving and slapping or striking a student on the head, who in turn shoves back. Jenkins is then seen seemingly pinning the student against the bus window, with allegations of choking involved.
As the confrontation escalates, another student is heard in the video demanding Jenkins to “Get off of him.” The clip concludes with the student and the driver moving toward the bus door, though the context and progression of the dispute remain unknown.
Jenkins, who was employed by First Student—the transportation contractor for Jefferson Parish Schools—has resigned following the incident.
In a statement provided to FOX 8, a First Student spokesperson stated that their drivers undergo extensive training exceeding federal requirements, including 40 hours of initial training and ongoing professional development. Performance monitoring and annual evaluations are also standard practices.
Jefferson Parish Schools also issued a statement through spokesperson Kaela Lewis, outlining that all drivers are subject to state and federal background checks, and receive training consistent with safety and operational standards. The district enforces strict compliance with its policies and procedures, and any deviations are dealt with accordingly.
Regarding student conduct, the district adheres to established disciplinary protocols, and incidents on the bus lead to office referrals and necessary actions.
The school district has provisions for bus monitors, specifically on select routes that serve special education students.
