Bay District Schools Bus Driver arrested for alleged child abuse

BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - The Lynn Haven Police Department has arrested a Bay District Schools employee for alleged child abuse.

According to the Lynn Haven Police Department, a report had been received from the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center claiming a bus driver struck a child.

Stacy Halloran was driving a bus during the afternoon route for Bay District Schools on May 13th. According to the reports, she allegedly slapped a 12-year-old child with an open hand on their back. The slap left a mark on the child for more than 48 hours.

The abuse was reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families where an investigation confirmed the allegations. A warrant was then issued for Halloran’s arrest.

The child received care at the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center.

Halloran was arrested and taken to the Bay County Jail.

Superintendent Mark McQueen from Bay District Schools released a statement following the incident reading, “The incident that occurred on the bus is both troubling and disappointing.... It is difficult to imagine that an adult entrusted with the care of students would act in such a manner, but when situations like this arise, we have a responsibility to respond swiftly and appropriately.”

They continued to say that Halloran has been removed from duty, and the district is following the personnel procedures outlined in the employee contract.

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