What should a principal do first when a parent complains about their child being left on a bus?

In the situation where a parent complains about their child being left on a bus, the first priority should be to ensure the child is safe and not harmed. Confirming that the child is not injured or harmed addresses the immediate safety and wellbeing of the student, which is the most critical concern for the principal. Taking this step first demonstrates a commitment to student safety and allows the principal to assess the situation accurately before taking any further actions.

Once the child's condition is confirmed, the principal can then move on to other important steps, such as investigating the incident, notifying authorities, or communicating with parents about safety measures. These actions are crucial, but ensuring the child's immediate safety is paramount and must come first in any response to an incident involving a child's welfare.