It will be at least the beginning of the next school year before bus driver involved in last week’s death of an 8-year-old Florala girl can return to work.

Covington County Superintendent Terry Holley said at Tuesday’s board of education meeting, the bus driver – who was not identified by law enforcement – must be cleared of any wrong doing in order to resume his duties.

“And that means the case has to go before the (Covington County) grand jury before any determination can be made,” Holley said. The grand jury will not convene until June.

The driver was immediately suspended following the accident that claimed the life of Lexi Worrell, a third grade honor student at W.S. Harlan Elementary School. Reports indicate Worrell, who was out of the driver’s immediate line of sight, walked in front of the school bus as the safety arm was retracting, was run over and killed.

“We ask that you continue to pray for the child in Florala, the school and the community as they go through this difficult time,” Holley said.

In other business, the board:

recognized Red Level School and Straughn Middle School for their recent athletic accomplishments on the basketball court.

gave approval for all county high schools to hold summer school.

adopted an Internet safety policy.

accepted the retirement resignations of Pleasant Home’s Marjorie Thomasson and Florala City Middle School’s Jerry Wayne Dunaway, effective at the end of the school year.

approved the transfer of Florala City Middle School’s principal Rodney Drish to Red Level Elementary School, where he will serve as principal.

The next school board meeting will be held Tues., May 4, at 4:30 p.m.