Investigation launched into Chartiers Valley transportation department; security firm hired

Chartiers Valley administrators launched an internal investigation into allegations of improper use of the district’s bus garage and have since hired a security firm to protect the district’s assets, they say.

Superintendent Daniel Castagna said, in response to recent threats and to ensure student safety, the district is reviewing security measures across all school buildings and district assets.

The board Tuesday approved an agreement with Robinson-based Kellington Protection Service, for about $3,000 a week, to provide security at the bus garage along Thoms Run Road in Collier.

Castagna said the moves are designed to ensure that all students, staff and employees can learn and work in a safe environment.

“The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” he said. “The district has begun to conduct a thorough security assessment of all four school buildings, including our transportation facility, identifying key areas for improvement and enhancement.

“As a result, we will be introducing additional security personnel, upgraded surveillance systems and stricter access control protocols.”

Castagna said the district received a report of an alleged use of the transportation garage for personal benefit. He said, upon learning of the allegations, the district immediately took action to stop any of the alleged activity. District officials declined to provide specifics of what the alleged activity entailed.

“The integrity of our school district and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources are of the utmost importance,” Castagna said. “We take these allegations very seriously and are committed to a transparent and comprehensive review of the matter. If wrongdoing is found, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure full accountability.”

Annie Briscoe, a union representative for the bus drivers, said the district’s education support professionals are committed to following district policies.

“If there are allegations where that hasn’t happened, whether by supervisors, by management or by employees, then the district can take appropriate measures to investigate,” she said. “There’s also plenty of video surveillance in the garage, so I would think any recorded conduct could be viewed by administration.”

It’s the latest move in a contentious time between district officials and the bus drivers’ union.

Briscoe said the Chartiers Valley Education Support Professionals union, which represents about 100 transportation service workers, custodians and maintenance workers, has been in negotiations with the district since January 2024.

Their contract expired in June and negotiations continue, she said.

The board, in November, voted 5-3 to solicit bids for outsourcing its school bus transportation services. A district statement at that time emphasized that no final decision had been made on outsourcing transportation and that all options would be explored.

District officials said they made the decision to solicit bids because of rising operational costs, labor shortages and challenges of maintaining an in-house transportation program.

The request for proposals and the responses are posted on the district’s website.

“This was in direct contrast to dozens — more than two hours-worth — of comments of passionate and concerned community members who spoke up at the meeting and urged the district not to pursue outsourcing transportation and to keep bus drivers in-house,” Briscoe said.

She said about 65 transportation service workers’ jobs are under threat should the district proceed with subcontracting.

Briscoe also questioned district finances and claimed Chartiers Valley “has a history of projecting a deficit in their fund balance, yet operating with a surplus.”

“So, then, we’re left to wonder, if there’s not a financial need to outsource transportation, why would the board be considering it?” Briscoe said. “Our bus drivers, mechanics and all of our transportation services members are committed to this district, to helping the school district community function successfully every day.”

A Jan. 28 statement from the district said it understands the current transportation negotiations are an emotional issue for the employees involved and the board “has a fiduciary obligation to the residents and taxpayers to explore every possible cost-saving measure.”

It said district officials have no interest in discussing any points of negotiations on social media or with any news outlet, and that personnel items are privileged, confidential communication.

“We respectfully ask that the community recognizes the importance of allowing the negotiation process to unfold in a professional and respectful manner,” the statement read. “The school board has a duty to conduct these discussions in accordance with its fiduciary responsibilities and procedural guidelines, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the entire school district.”