I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.
If you believe the Seattle Times story, the kids didn't see the gesture in question.
I doubt that she would have been fired if the Representative (who didn't see the gesture himself) didn't have a personal relationship with the School Board Superintendent, but we'll never know.
Yes, as a representative of the schools, the driver has a responsibility to be a good role model. I just think that this incident shows more signs of political influence than "protecting the children" or some such.
There is such a thing as a resonable reaction (e.g. a talking-to).
Cheers,
Scott.