After the school district says a student was touched by an unauthorized person on a bus operated by STA, potential consequences and remedies are being reviewed.

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — A recent incident on a Duval County school bus could result in serious consequences for the operator — including a potential change or termination of their contract.

According to Duval County Public Schools, an unauthorized person boarded a Student Transportation of America-operated school bus headed to Riverside High School on Monday and touched a student. 

DCPS said bus video indicates the individual “briefly reached over and touched a student on the knee.” The individual exited the bus shortly after, according to the school district, which added that the person was on board for less than a minute.

“We are extremely disappointed that Student Transportation of America (STA) failed to follow established safety protocols. The safety of our students is non-negotiable, and what occurred should not have happened,” a district spokesperson told First Coast News.

As the investigation into the incident occurs in collaboration with authorities, DCPS says it is seeking accountability from STA.

“We are actively reviewing our contract with Student Transportation of America in light of this incident and prior concerns this school year. If our investigation determines that contractual obligations were not met, we will pursue all remedies available under the agreement, up to and including corrective action requirements, financial penalties, or contract reconsideration.”

Student Transportation of America (STA) is one of two bus operators contracted by the district, covering the Northside/Core City and Westside areas. Its routes have separate contracted schedules, which run through 2027 and 2030.

This isn’t the first time an STA employee has come under investigation for conduct while serving Duval County students. 

In September last year, a Duval Schools bus driver employed by STA was fired after being arrested for allegedly having a relationship with a student.

In the spring of 2025, another STA bus driver was fired after the company said a Duval County student was left unattended in a vehicle due to the driver failing to check for remaining children at the end of their route.

After Monday’s incident, the district says it is requiring immediate corrective measures at STA, “including retraining, supervisory review, and verification of compliance with district safety standards.”

“The safety of our students is of the utmost importance,” STA said in a statement. 

The driver has since been removed from service pending the results of the investigation.