AKRON, Ohio — School officials are investigating after a special needs student at Akron North High School was apparently left on a school transportation van by himself for three hours Wednesday morning.
According to Akron Public Schools, the 20-year-old man remained inside the vehicle even as other students got off and entered the school around 8 a.m., and was still there when he was finally discovered around 11 a.m. By that time, the van was at the driver's home.
The district says it is "relieved the student is okay" and is looking into what might have happened. They emphasized that all special education drivers are "certified, insured, [and[ background-checked" and that the driver involved in this matter has been with APS for 13 years.
It was bitter cold in Akron during the time the student was alone inside the van: According to the National Weather Service, temperatures ranged between just 14 and 23 degrees.
