RSU 13 Confirms Termination of Driver in Fatal School Bus Incident

The school bus driver who police say ran over and killed a 12-year-old Rockland boy is no longer employed by RSU 13, according to reporting from the Midcoast Villager.

Superintendent John McDonald made the announcement during Wednesday night’s school board meeting but did not release any additional details about the driver’s departure.

The tragic incident happened on Nov. 21, when 12-year-old Brayden Callahan was run over by the bus moments after stepping off near the intersection of Eliza Steele Drive and Broadway. The driver had been placed on administrative leave immediately following the crash.

According to crash reports, the same driver was involved in two previous school bus accidents — one in October and another in 2022 — both involving the driver striking parked vehicles. Records also show the driver was convicted of operating under the influence in 2015, resulting in a three-year suspension of their school bus operator endorsement.

However, Maine law allows bus drivers to petition for reinstatement of the endorsement after one year. That petition must include a recommendation from a school superintendent. While the Secretary of State’s office has no record of such a recommendation, the petition was approved, and the driver was again permitted to operate a school bus.

The Midcoast Villager went on to say the driver is not suspected of impairment in the Nov. 21 incident. Rockland Police Chief Tim Carroll is asking the community for patience as investigators continue to review the case.