Bus driver accused of touching student

A school bus driver has been put on leave as South Barrington police and Barrington Community Unit School District 220 officials investigate allegations that the driver inappropriately touched an elementary school student.

Students from Barbara Rose Elementary School in South Barrington said the incident occurred late last week, and inappropriate conduct might have been occurring for a few days prior to that, District 220 spokesman Jeff Arnett said.

“The student alleges that he or she was touched by the driver,” Arnett said.

South Barrington Police and the Department of Children and Family Services are investigating the allegations, Arnett said.

Principal Scott Carlson sent an email to parents of the school Wednesday morning regarding the situation.

The student told his or her parents, who then contacted school officials, Arnett said.

The Barrington Transportation Co. has assigned substitute drivers to the route.

“It was brought to the attention of the school district on Monday. The school officials immediately reported it to the Department of Children and Family Services and then to the police department,” Arnett said.

The school district provided South Barrington police with surveillance tapes from the bus in question, and police are reviewing them, Arnett said. The driver was immediately placed on leave but has not been charged.