Statement from Superintendent John Carmello:

On December 11, Troy CSD administrators were informed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office that a Star and Strand Transportation, Inc. bus driver had been arrested for allegedly attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity.  The arrest was made as part of an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  At this time, the District has not been made aware of the involvement of any Troy students. The parents/guardians of the Troy students on this driver’s routes are being notified, and this driver will no longer be transporting our students.

Star and Strand is one of several outside companies contracted by the District for student transportation. Per New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines, bus drivers are subject to fingerprinting and background checks for prior offenses through the New York State Department of Criminal Justice and the FBI. In addition to the driver, a monitor is always present on the bus when transporting students.

We are obviously disturbed by these allegations.  The safety and security of our students, both in school and on school-provided transportation, remains our top priority.  We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this ongoing investigation.