An internal investigation is underway at the Chartiers Valley School District Transportation Department after allegations that employees have been using the bus garage for personal work.
Over the last week, many parents driving by the Chartiers Valley High School have noticed a new security booth posted outside the district’s bus garage along Thoms Run Road.
“I was kind of curious as to why they needed security over there,” parent Jackie Gyesie said.
Superintendent Dr. Daniel Castagna told Channel 11 that the added security is in response to recent threats, the nature of which he did not specify. The new security measure also comes after allegations surfaced regarding misuse of the bus garage and possibly taxpayer resources.
“If there were threats against bus drivers or actual threats that could cause problems for students riding the buses, then I can understand and would certainly agree to it, but if it’s just due to employee use or misuse, that could be a problem,” Gyesie said.
Superintendent Castagna said district leaders were made aware of concerns about using the bus garage and its equipment for personal use, which he said is a clear policy violation.
A memo obtained by Channel 11 went out to transportation staff and mechanics on Friday, Feb. 7 warning employees they could be fired.
In a statement, Castagna said in part:
“The Chartiers Valley School District has launched an internal investigation into these allegations of improper use of school facilities and district-issued discounts by employees....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.”
Nathan Guzniczak of Scott Township is concerned and hoping to learn more from the internal investigation.
“If they’re only doing labor and purchasing the parts themselves, that’s one thing,” Guzniczak said. “If they’re using funds that’s meant to be for the school district, then that’s not good, of course.”
The allegations come as the district considers contracting with an outside bus company rather than continuing to operate its own bus garage, which would leave more than 70 transportation staff, mostly drivers, out of a job.
Annie Briscoe, a union representative for the bus drivers, told Channel 11 it’s hard to comment without all the details of the allegations but said transportation members do their best to follow all school district policies.
The school board meets Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/XCUXZC2XYZHCRGNNGKFEX6U3LQ.png)
