Message from Superintendent re: van driver arrest

May 13 — Brookline Police arrested and charged a school van driver with sexually assaulting a 12-year old girl with autism.

Israel Santiago, 41, of Roslindale, works for YCN transportation, which is employed by the Brookline district to transport special-education students to and from school. He was charged with two counts of aggravated rape, kidnapping and indecent assault on a child under 14 years of age.

More details on the arrest are available from the Brookline Tab, WCVB, and other news outlets.

Bill Lupini, superintendent of the Brookline Schools, passed along the following note to SEPAC this evening:

Israel Santiago, a van driver for YCN assigned to special education routes in Brookline as part of our contract with the company, was arraigned this morning on two counts of aggravated rape, one count of kidnapping, and one count of indecent assault and battery. Bail was set at $20,000 cash and Mr. Santiago remains in custody.

We are working primarily with the families of the 13-15 students who were transported to and from school by Mr. Santiago. Principals have been in contact with these families and have offered support from teachers, social workers, counselors and other staff in helping students and their family members deal with this difficult situation. In addition, we will be meeting with these families on Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. at Runkle School to provide information as to how to discuss these types of issues with their children and answer questions.

In addition, we will be examining our protocols regarding student transportation in an effort to identify where we can make improvements in our contracts, routes, staffing and other aspects of the program.

Finally, I would want parents to know that we are appalled by the details of the allegation brought on behalf of this student. We will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and to support the student and family who filed this complaint.

I can provide you with more information as it becomes available.