Former APS bus driver accused of child abuse

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – For the first time, we are seeing disturbing claims regarding an incident on an Albuquerque Public Schools bus.

In September, staff at the Highland Complex Special Education Diagnostic Center reported new scratches on a student’s neck after he got off Debbie Chavira’s bus.

That forced an investigation and APS found a video of Chavira hitting the student with a plastic plate or her hands.

Court records show the student is autistic and non-verbal. Officers could not question him because the student cannot communicate in writing.

APS discovered multiple incidents of hitting the student on multiple days.

In a statement, an APS spokesperson said: “APS does not tolerate this type of behavior.” When APS found out what was going on, Chavira was immediately placed on leave before launching an investigation and filing criminal charges.

Chavira resigned on September 5 and is no longer employed by APS. She is charged with five counts of child abuse.

Chavira had her pre-trial detention hearing in October. A judge released her on conditions.

No further hearing dates have been scheduled yet.