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78 year old former bus driver advocates for school bus protection
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CARENCRO, La. (KLFY) -- In a final part interview with Frank Shelvin highlights the vital role of a bus driver and advocates for changes to protect students and the driver who transport them.
Shelvin who was a substitute bus driver when a Carencro High teenager was gunned down getting off the bus in March 2024.
“When these kids get on the bus you don’t know what they're carrying,” said Shelvin. “I suggested that they would put some kind of monitor on the bus that would let me know somebody is carrying something, and then I could key into the school and then they can check this bus when I come in and then if the monitor doesn't come back on. That means that kids left whatever was on the bus but I monitor the kids and see where they sit.”
Shelvin worked as a substitute bus driver for the Lafayette Parish School System for 16 years. The tragic death of 18 year old Jaylin Joiner rocked family members, the community and Shelvin who witnessed it first hand along with the two other students.
Shelvin is grateful to be alive and shared how a bullet hole was lined up in his seat when the shooting happened.
“They need something to protect the bus drivers because right now it’s sad. It’s no protection and they are just like me." he explained emotionally. "They want to go pick up the kid, bring them to school safe, bring them home safe but at the end of the day, they want to get home safe, too and I wish somebody would take that into consideration because without the bus drivers they're no kids to take in because who’s going to bring them to school."
He said drivers take on many roles.
“When you are driving a bus, you have to be a doctor, lawyer, or counselor. You can't just drive the bus and not pay attention to the kids on the bus,” he said.
Shelvin told KLFY 10 he believes he was a good asset to the school board and loves all the children he served. He served a total of 36 years with his retirement from the mechanic shop to a bus driver.