Employees question bus contractor

DINGMAN — Fuel usage for non-school activities by Krise Busing, the contractor for the Delaware Valley school district, came under fire last Thursday. District support employees and drivers charged that the contractor illegally uses district fuel - which is exempt from state taxes and dyed blue so it can be identified - during non-school, bus runs. Their charges arose from a discussion including Krise officials at a board transportation committee meeting earlier this month. At that session Tim Krise was asked to come up with solutions for operational concerns the board raised. Last Thursday, several drivers charged that Krise misused district fuel access on various private charter trips, on which they had driven. “Any and all allegations should be fairly investigated,” said Fran Rosario, a spokesperson for the district’s support staff workers. She questioned seeking solutions from someone under suspicion by the district. Board members countered that no one has been willing to formally provide evidence of wrong-doing by Krise.“There is no one on this board or who works in this district who doesn’t want the right thing done. If you’ve got information, give it to us,” Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan said. Board member Diane French reported that she questioned state officials following the earlier meeting and was assured of Krise good reputation. Under the 1998 contract, DV sells Krise fuel for $1.05 per gallon. That provided a profit for the district in 1998, but today costs the district $2.48 per gallon, Rosario said. Board members called on employees to present formal evidence at the board’s Jan. 7 meeting in Westfall. In addition, former Krise driver Jennene Stang complained of her firing, for leaving her bus in the charge of a private security guard while she escorted a child to a rest room. She said a Krise supervisor was on the bus at the time and said nothing. Several parents spoke on Stang’s behalf.