This bus driver is caught on video using a cell phone while driving Stiles MS band students on I-35. Leander ISD is investigating.

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Leander ISD is investigating a charter bus driver who was caught on video using a cell phone while driving on I-35 with a bus full of Stiles Middle School band students who were heading to Schlitterbahn water park on May 18.

“The video of a charter bus driver transporting Stiles Middle School Band students while handling his phone last weekend was concerning,” Corey Ryan, LISD’s chief communications officer, said in a statement.

The district was notified about it on Monday and began work right away.

“Upon being notified by a parent of the incident… LISD immediately launched an investigation, and the district is currently addressing the matter with Roadrunner Charters,” Ryan said.

The district works to remind students and staff about the dangers of distracted driving and its consequences, he added.

Distracted driving has been illegal across the state of Texas since Sept. 1. The texting-while-driving ban passed during the 85th Texas Legislative Session and prohibits motorists from reading, writing or sending electronic messages while driving.

A Facebook comment by Jeff Murray about the incident says that this could fall under Texas Penal Code 22.041, which states “a person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence, by act or omission, engages in conduct that places a child younger than 15 years in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment.”

Ryan wants to ensure parents know that Leander ISD is committed to the safety and well-being of all students.

“Student safety is our top priority at Leander ISD, and the district is working to ensure our concerns about this incident, as well as those of our families, are heard and addressed,” he stated.