Key Takeaways
- A substitute bus driver in Bartow County, Lori Hagaman, was arrested for drunk driving while carrying students.
- She faced felony charges for driving under the influence, along with several misdemeanors, including reckless driving and open container.
- No students were harmed, and the district pledged that the driver would never work for them again.
- Bartow County Schools said student safety and performs thorough checks and testing on all drivers.
A Bartow County substitute bus driver was pulled from a route, arrested, and charged with drunk driving Friday afternoon. No students were hurt, the district said.
What It Means For You: The district says the driver will never work for Bartow County Schools again. Extra counseling will be offered for any student who needs it.
What’s Happening:
- The driver, identified as Lori Hagaman, was charged with one felony count of driving a school bus under the influence and several misdemeanor counts, including reckless conduct, reckless driving, and open container.
- The incident happened between 3:42 p.m. and 3:49 p.m. on Sep. 19 at GA-411 and the Burnt Hickory Connector in Cartersville.
- An affidavit says Hagaman failed to stay in her lane and had an open container of suspected wine in the driver’s area while the bus was loaded with students.
- No injuries were reported. The district says the driver was removed from the route and arrested.
Between The Lines: Georgia law treats drunk driving on a school bus with students as a serious crime. The felony charge reflects the higher duty of care when kids are on board.
Catch Up Quick: Bartow County Schools says student safety is its top priority. The district says all drivers, including substitutes, face background checks, training, license checks, a physical, and drug and alcohol testing before and during employment. Random testing continues while they work.
The Big Picture: Families trust school buses to be the safest ride kids take each day. Incidents like this are rare, but they shake that trust. Clear action, support for students, and strong oversight help restore confidence.
The Sources: Bartow County School System statement; affidavit filed in Bartow County.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
