Lee County School District To Begin Issuing Citations for Passing Stopped School Buses

Lee County will start writing tickets on Dec. 8 to drivers who pass stopped school buses. Over 2,441 violators got caught during a grace period. Cameras mounted on more than 600 school buses have been recording violations since Nov. 5, 2025.

Data shown at Monday's workshop revealed that 90% of drivers warned are first-time violators. The warnings appear to work. Repeat offenders are rare.

Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin expressed enthusiasm about citations starting. "Now, it is go time, starting on Monday," she said during the workshop, according to Wink News.

The sheriff's office will review camera footage to confirm each violation before issuing a $225 citation. Drivers can appeal, but if the appeal is upheld, the cost will jump to $270 to cover hearing expenses.

District 3 Board Member and Vice Chairman Williams F. Ribble said he was shocked by the number of violations recorded so far. "I mean, the potential of having somebody hit or injured is really up there when you have people that just aren't paying attention," Ribble said.

District 2 Board Member Melisa Giovannelli said she is thankful for the changes. "I'm excited for this, and the parents are ecstatic," she said.

Grandparent Keith Campbell voiced support after viewing the video shared by the district. "Cameras are not gonna lie," Campbell said. "If you're not stopping, you're not stopping."

Campbell explained that the cameras provide a solution to limited law enforcement resources. "There's not enough money in the budget to have one or two patrolmen at every single bus stop or following a bus around, so the cameras are just another way of policing the community and also, at the same time, finding the people who are breaking the laws," Campbell said.

Cameras sit on both sides of each bus. Officials say their goal is to educate the public and keep kids safe.