Superintendent Issues Statement in Wake of Ex-Bus Driver's Arrest

The following is a letter from Joyce Mundy, Centennial School District superindentent of schools, responding to the charges against former bus driver Fred Brimmer:

In the Centennial School District, we promote safe and responsible behavior among our students, faculty and staff. We are obviously distraught to learn that today, a District bus driver was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors and unlawful contact with minors stemming from incidents that occurred outside of his employment with the District.
 
The bus driver, Fred Brimmer, has been on administrative leave since October 22, 2013, when the District first learned of an alleged incident. The District immediately notified police. 
 
Prior to his employment in the District, Mr. Brimmer went through the required background checks for criminal record and child abuse history clearances. At the time of his hire, those background checks gave no indication of any previous criminal behavior.
 
This morning, District administrators consulted with our team of guidance counselors, psychologists, school nurses and student assistance team members. We have enacted a support plan in the event that any Centennial students are impacted by this situation. The plan includes the following:
 

• Direct outreach by school principals to the students who have been impacted by this situation and their families. This outreach will begin immediately.
• As of Monday, December 2, 2013, counselors from the Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA) will be available to meet with students.
• A Parents Night meeting is being organized for December. The meeting will focus on how parents can address issues of victimization with their children and will highlight assistance programs and related efforts available in the District.
• Ongoing District-wide efforts to raise awareness of victimization and general bullying will continue in grades K-12 with the assistance of the Peace Center and NOVA.

 
The Upper Southampton Township Police are asking anyone who may have been a victim of inappropriate behavior in relation to Fred Brimmer to contact Det. James Schirmer at 215-364-5000 ext. 115.
 
As always, we remain committed to teaching our students valuable decision-making skills. Parents who are concerned that this event might have an impact on their child are encouraged to contact their building principal directly for advice on how to discuss this incident in the home. 
 
Thank you,
Dr. Joyce Mundy
Superintendent of Schools