Bus Driver Investigation

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By Nick Lough

Story Published: Jan 6, 2009 at 7:42 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2009 at 7:19 AM MST

BILLINGS - A Billings bus driver is under investigation after she stops at a liquor store and has a student conceal alcohol.

On December 12th, First Student bus driver Debbie Braunstadter was reported to authorities after someone spotted her at a liquor store. First Student officials say the driver continued to Riverside Elementary to pick up students. Officials say she had a student conceal miniature bottles of alcohol before she was confronted by officials.

First Student officials say Braunstader was suspended immediately after the incident. The company was going to terminate her Tuesday but she quit Monday. Braunstader was a 20 year employee with the company and there is no evidence the driver had been drinking while on duty. The city attorney is currently reviewing the case to see if criminal charges could follow.

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SEASONED SCHOOL BUS DRIVER said on Saturday, Jan 10 at 1:56 PM

We remember you Workingman 2007 (union buster wanna be). You used to be one of us. Initals SP. We DO NOT miss you.

Joe Public said on Thursday, Jan 8 at 8:54 AM

As an individual who is VERY familiar with the situation (Also having school bus driving experience)I am directly in receipt of "the facts." I guess I need to know which bad idea you are referring to. 1)When she knowingly brought alcohol on a school bus (at any time)? 2)When she knowingly then handed it to the student (A MINOR)? 3)When she then knowingly lied to her superiors about the alcohol. or finally 4)when she was too scared to deal with the results of her actions.3 of the 4 are violations

seasoned school bus driver said on Wednesday, Jan 7 at 7:18 PM

KULR8 is making a mountain out of a molehill. Surely, she made a bad judgement by stopping at a liquor store on company time but she did NOT consume the alcohol NOR did she purchase it for a student.They didn't mention that she bought coats hats and mittens for her needy passengers. What benefits? Her hourly wage was $13.86 .please know the facts before you make judgements.

Joe Public said on Wednesday, Jan 7 at 10:54 AM

At what point in time does the thought of an employee become such that bringing alcohol onto a school bus seems like an acceptable idea. How complacent have some of these drivers become to think that they can even get away with that. Yet, when contract time comes along (like it is pretty soon) They stand around with their hands out because they have so much responsibility that they can't possible make it on the money they make now. She knew she was guilty that’s why she quit to get her benefits.

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