Worcester County School Bus Driver Consumed Alcohol Before Completing Route with Students on Board

Worcester County, MD - Parents and guardians in Worcester County received a troubling letter this week from school leadership. It revealed that a school bus driver consumed alcohol before finishing their assigned route on Friday, April 24, 2026.

According to the letter signed by Superintendent Annette E. Wallace, Ed.D., the driver was transporting students at the time. The letter states that all students were transported to their destinations without incident.

The situation was reported to both law enforcement and Child Protective Services. A full investigation is currently underway, according to the school system.

"I take this matter very seriously and I understand that this information is upsetting. Please know that the safety and well-being of WCPS students remains my highest priority." - Superintendent Annette E. Wallace, Ed.D.

As a result of the incident, the school system acted quickly. A new driver was assigned to the route beginning Monday morning, April 27, 2026 - the day after the letter was sent.

Superintendent Wallace sent the letter directly to families on the affected route, dated April 28, 2026. She said the school system wanted families to hear the information directly from her office.

Because the investigation is active and ongoing, school officials said they are not able to share additional details at this time. Families with specific concerns about their child or transportation needs are being encouraged to contact their child's school directly.

The superintendent closed the letter by acknowledging the concern and uncertainty the situation has caused. She apologized to affected families and thanked them for their patience while the matter is being handled.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous under any circumstances. Doing it with a bus full of children is something this community and parents should never have to read about. We are grateful that no child was physically harmed.