School District Responds to Bus Incident

Ensures Continued Safety

Catawba County Schools, in cooperation with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, is issuing this statement to the news media regarding an incident involving a school bus driver assigned to Bus 411 for the Wednesday afternoon, December 6th, route of Sherrills Ford Elementary School.

We can confirm that the bus driver was arrested and charged with driving while impaired. It is important to note that no children were on board at the time of the arrest, as all students had been safely delivered to their homes. Sheriff’s investigators are working to gather facts and evidence at this time. Multiple charges of child abuse are pending.

The driver, Nelson Gonzalez, was employed by the district on November 13, 2023, as a 10-month custodian and bus driver for Sherrills Ford Elementary School.

In response to this incident, our district has suspended the driver without pay, pending the completion of the investigation. The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority, and we have zero tolerance for any conduct that compromises their safety.

We understand the concern and distress this news may cause among parents, students, and the wider community. We assure you that we are taking every possible step to maintain a secure environment for our students.

For further inquiries or information, please contact Kim Jordan, Director of Marketing and Communication. We commit to keeping the public informed as new information becomes available.

About Catawba County School System:

Catawba County Schools System (CCS) is a district with a bold vision for today – and an eye toward our future. The largest school district in Catawba, CCS is comprised of 28 schools in five geographical attendance zones with an enrollment of approximately 15,700 students. With 16 elementary, 5 middle, and 5 high schools, as well as an early college high school and alternative high school, CCS offers diverse and intriguing choices that give students access to the amenities and activities of a large district while remaining agile and responsive to evolving needs. To learn more about Catawba County Schools, please visit www.catawbascools.net.