North Allegheny director of operations resigns amid busing issues

While some students who live within North Allegheny School District but attend private school are left without transportation to and from school, the school board unanimously approved to accept the resignation of director of operations Mark Trichtinger — who handled the operations of the transportation department — effective Oct. 2.

Additionally, a new director of transportation position was approved and is currently being advertised. The position will be responsible for overall strategic direction, planning, coordination, administration and evaluation of transportation department functions.

Board member Marcie Crow said she was in support of the motions in regard the transportation department.

“This is where the rubber meets the road,” she said. “Ultimately, it is (the board’s) responsibility for what is happening. We acknowledge that we have not been able to deliver the best services. This only makes the district better.”

William Kirk was also approved as acting director of operations during the school board meeting on Sept. 20. Kirk is listed currently as assistant director of project management and infrastructure at North Allegheny. He will be responsible for both positions.

Two temporary consultants were also approved to help the transportation department. Roger Botti, a former NA director of transportation and operations, was appointed to act as a temporary consultant to the transportation department for the North Allegheny School District.

And Kevin Schofield was approved as another temporary consultant for training and safety in the transportation department.

Both Botti and Schofield been working with the district in these roles prior to the board’s official approval, as indicated in the agenda.

There was a school board executive session earlier in September where the board and district administration addressed the issues they had with transportation.

Dr. Brendan Hyland, the new superintendent at North Allegheny, said they are trying to “right the ship.”

“A lot of people stepped up to the plate,” he said.