Dive Brief:

• Ten Atlanta students were hospitalized after being pepper sprayed on a school bus.  
• The bus driver used pepper spray on the students in an attempt to break up a fight.  
• District spokeswoman Kimberly Willis Green says the bus driver is new and the district's HR department will be going over the episode.   

Dive Insight:

This event points to two issues. One, it indicates the need for thorough checks and understanding of who is working at a school. While the focus is often on teachers, students are ultimately interacting with far more people throughout the day. From custodians to cafeteria workers to bus drivers, the day is filled with many people — all of who can greatly impact the school day experience for better or for worse. Ensuring the right candidates get the job is important. Second, the incident brings up issues with fight mediation. It can only be assumed that the bus driver meant more good than harm in the situation and the use of pepper spray was a desperate, last resort. That said, making sure everyone on campus has the tools and resources to deal with fights and squabbles is key.  Disputes don't just happen in the classroom, and providing everyone with proper professional development is a must.