JACKSON: Two weeks after a middle school teacher was arrested for sexually assaulting a student, we are now finding out a school bus driver was arrested for child pornography. A letter sent home to parents reads the following.

“Dear Parents and Staff,

Unfortunately, we must inform you of an additional – and unrelated – arrest of a district staff member.

The Jackson School District administration was informed this afternoon by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office that a district bus driver/van aide has been charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Distribution of Child Pornography (Second Degree). The alleged offenses did not occur on school property and did not involve any Jackson School District students.

In accordance with state law, the employee has been suspended with pay during the investigation. The employee will not be permitted on school property. This is a police matter, which means the district is not at liberty to discuss it further.

We realize that the fact that we have had to share news of two disturbing criminal charges is unsettling. We again remind parents and staff to reach out if you need any assistance in processing this information. There is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff.

As stated in our notification earlier this afternoon, all district employees undergo a criminal history background check before they commence employment in the district to ensure they are free of any criminal record. The district is alerted of any criminal charges. Those procedures were followed in this case as well.”

No name has been released yet. We will update as we get additional information.