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SYRACUSE - Wawasee School Corp. bus driver who was removed from her route has issued a statement.
The bus driver, Dena Cook, was not in attendance at a Wawasee School Board meeting Tuesday evening when issues regarding her status were raised by concerned parents. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning.
The parents provided copies of an e-mail from Cook that they deemed inappropriate. The e-mail was received by one of the parents, Laraine Tucco, on Sept. 13. Tucco and three other parents asked the board to assign a new bus driver for that route.
During an executive session after the regular school board meeting, the school board discussed the matter at length, according to Superintendent Dr. Mark Stock.
An administrative decision was reached and as of Wednesday, Cook was not driving and will not return to that route. There are no other open bus routes for Cook to fill at this time, Stock said.
Reached today by telephone, Cook said the e-mail was meant to be a personal correspondence between her and Tucco. Cook added that the e-mail had nothing to do with her bus route or her ability to peform her duties as a bus driver.
Cook also provided this statement:
"I am sorry for any embarrassment to my community and especially Wawasee School Corporation. I have faith that those who truly know me will know the allegations made in regard to harming anyone's children have no validity. I appreciate the overwhelming acts of kindness and support that I have received in response to this situation."
