For Immediate Release

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Statement of Tyngsborough Police, Schools, and Greater Lowell Technical High School Leaders Regarding Bus Driver Arrested in Chelmsford

TYNGSBOROUGH — The following is a joint statement from Tyngsborough Police Chief Richard D. Howe, Tyngsborough Public Schools Superintendent Michael Flanagan, and Greater Lowell Technical High School Superintendent/Director Roger Bourgeois.

“We have been made aware that a bus driver for North Reading Transportation Inc. was arrested in Chelmsford earlier today for allegedly driving a school bus while under the influence of marijuana. The driver was preparing to take Chelmsford High School students on a field trip. We have been notified that the suspect had also driven Greater Lowell Technical High School students to school this morning on a regular bus route.

“We are working with our partners in Chelmsford and are actively monitoring the ongoing investigation.

“The safety and security of our students is first and foremost on our minds today. While there is much we cannot say, due to the ongoing police investigation, we are confident, based on information that has been presented to us, that the driver did not come under the influence of marijuana until after the morning run and drop off at GLTHS.

“North Reading Transporation Inc. provides busing services for Greater Lowell Technical High School, but the other schools in Tyngsborough are served by a different company. We are in active talks with both bus companies that serve Tyngsborough so that they know how seriously we take this issue and that we expect assurances from both companies that improved safeguards are in the works to prevent potentially dangerous situations like the one that occurred in Chelmsford today.