School bus monitor accused of slapping boy, 8

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban school bus monitor is accused of slapping an 8-year-old boy with special needs.

The child is a third grader at Patterson Elementary school in Naperville.

After a weeklong investigation, police say it was ultimately surveillance video that helped them make the decision to charge this bus aide with battery.

On board one of these school buses, April 6th, Naperville police and the Indian Prairie superintendent say Joyce Jones, 68, took punishment way too far.

"We received a report from the mother of the student, that her son was possibly struck while on the bus," said Commander Jason Arres, Naperville Police Department.

Investigators say an 8-year-old special needs boy was the only student on the bus on his way home from school that day, when police say Jones and the student had some type of issue.

"She had an issue. Her and the student had some type of issue, which then ended up resulting in her striking the student," said Cmdr. Arres.

"Administrators discovered that the First Student bus monitor acted inappropriately, displaying aggressive behavior toward the student. Administrators immediately requested that both the First Student monitor and driver be removed from all District 204 bus routes," said Superintendent Karen Sullivan in a statement posted on the Indian Prairie District 204 website.

818 we all understand the importance and trust placed within companies when they transport kids to and from school," said Cmdr. Arres.

First Student is the company that employs bus aides, like Joyce Jones.

In her Bolingbrook neighborhood, a neighbor spoke highly of Jones.

"I can't see it, I really truly can't. Honestly, I can't," said Jones' neighbor Ashley. "She talks to us every time she walks her dogs. She comes out, we talk about flowers, kids, if we need anything to come by."

Now, Joyce Jones is off the bus and out of job as she awaits her day in court to face a charge for battery.

Jones has not responded to any of ABC7's requests for comment and is scheduled to be back in court June 21st.