Republic bus driver fired after allegations of 'inappropriate communication' surfaced
The Republic school district has fired a bus driver — and distanced itself from the nonprofit the man created — after allegations of inappropriate contact with a minor recently surfaced.
Jason Shaw was hired at the start of the 2022-23 school year.
Republic Police Chief Brian Sells confirmed his department was still investigating the matter. No charges have been filed.
"The Republic Police Department is aware of the information being circulated involving alleged inappropriate contact with a minor," Sells wrote in a statement to the News-Leader.
"We are pursuing all leads and evidence to obtain the facts of the case, and we aim to ensure a fair and thorough investigative process while maintaining the privacy of everyone involved. This is currently on open investigation."
Shaw's son Tristen died by suicide in May 2021 at the age of 17. He was a student at Republic High School.
Following that profound loss, Shaw started the Tristen's Hope Foundation to raise awareness and provide resources about mental health and suicide prevention.
Shaw is no longer part of the foundation.
This week, the foundation posted that "all future" events have been canceled.
The statement read: "Jason offered his resignation and the board unanimously approved immediately. We, as a board, take all inappropriate behavior seriously and our priority is the well-being of our students associated within the community of Republic."
The board said it recognized there was still a need for the mission of the group, which is to "show each other love, respect and care."
The foundation's Facebook page has been deleted.
The Republic district sent a message to all school families Tuesday acknowledging it was aware of allegations of "inappropriate communication by an employee."
"We take these issues very seriously. The district took immediate action and followed policy and procedure. As a result of a thorough investigation, the employee in question has been terminated," wrote Nikki Faith, director of communications for the Republic district.
"The district will continue to follow policy and procedure, and will continue to cooperate fully with the appropriate law enforcement agencies in this matter."
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In the statement, the district said while it will not longer be "affiliated with the former employee or the former employee's nonprofit," mental health support will still be in place in all school buildings through the counseling teams and licensed providers on staff at Republic Middle School and Republic High School.
"We strive to create an educational environment where students feel safe and supported, as the overall well-being of students and staff is a top priority of the Republic school district," Faith wrote in the note to families. "We take all allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously and are committed to the prompt investigation of any such complaint or report."
It is not known if the alleged behavior was related, in any way, to the man's role as a bus driver.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Republic district fires bus driver, cuts ties with man's nonprofit
