Pasco County Schools is facing intense scrutiny after video footage captured a school bus assistant striking a 19‑year‑old student with Down syndrome and autism. The recording, obtained by ABC Action News’ I‑Team, shows the assistant open‑hand slapping the student, Ian Stewart, in the face during a morning run on May 1. Although law enforcement and district officials have viewed the footage, Ian’s mother, Gretchen Stewart, has been denied access to the recording despite repeated public‑records requests.
Stewart first learned of the incident from her son’s assistant principal, who hinted that “an adult put their hands” on Ian and referred the matter to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. After weeks of silence, the sheriff’s office confirmed in its incident report that surveillance video documented the assistant’s assault on an intellectually disabled student. The deputy was permitted to film the video with a department cell phone, yet ultimately concluded the case as “unfounded,” deeming the assistant’s actions a reaction to Ian’s alleged attempt to bite him.
When Stewart sought to preserve and review the video, the district refused, citing its inclusion in a risk‑management file and various Florida statutes governing security and student privacy. Only after retaining an attorney was she offered a private viewing—on condition that she sign a nondisclosure agreement barring any use of the footage beyond potential litigation.
Further I‑Team investigation into the assistant’s personnel file revealed a troubling pattern of safety violations. In 2022, he was reprimanded for falling asleep at the wheel and was reassigned from driver to aide. Early in 2025, supervisors noted he stood and moved about the bus while it was in motion, and in February he was recorded handling another student roughly. He retired abruptly four days after striking Ian.
Pasco County Schools declined an on‑camera interview, issuing a statement that it “takes all allegations related to student safety very seriously” but cannot comment due to FERPA. Meanwhile, Stewart and her attorney argue that withholding the video undermines public accountability and leaves families of non‑verbal students without recourse. As the dispute continues, the district maintains its stance that the recording remains confidential, even as questions mount about the treatment of some of its most vulnerable students.
The news story originally was reported by ABC Action News
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