A Laurel Highlands School District bus driver has been fired after failing an alcohol test, according to school officials.
Laurel Highlands Superintendent Jesse T. Wallace III said he was told the driver failed a random test conducted on Friday by the driver’s employer — district transportation contractor First Student.
“I was informed that one of the drivers presented at the end of the bus run intoxicated and has been terminated,” Wallace said Tuesday. “However, the (state police) is investigating and it has not been disclosed to the district when the individual began to consume alcohol (prior to or after the bus run).
“When they tested him, he was considered to be intoxicated, but when that happened, we still don’t know… In any event, the individual will not be in the employment of our district moving forward.”
Wallace said he couldn’t comment on the bus run to which the driver was assigned.
He said he was told the driver was “apprehended on site,” but it wasn’t clear if charges are pending in the incident. State police referred questions to the district.
“The safe and reliable transportation of our student passengers is our highest priority,” First Student spokesperson Chris Kemper said. “Certainly, we understand and appreciate the concern this has caused. We, too, take this incident very seriously.”
Kemper confirmed the driver was fired but declined further comment, noting the incident is under investigation.
