A Burlington substitute school bus driver has been charged with driving a bus while under the influence while several students were on board.
Paula Thibault, 40, was allegedly driving on George Washington Turnpike, just west of Jerome Avenue, when she hit a telephone pole, causing damage to the side mirror of the bus.
At least one dozen students between 6 and 10 years old from Lake Garda Elementary. None of the students on board were injured, police said.
Someone called Sikorski Bus Company of Burlington Friday to let them know that one of the buses was driving erratically.
Sikorski tried to contact Thibault, but there was no answer to their radio call, officials said. When she returned to the garage, the dispatcher called state police.
Officials said Thibault has been a substitute bus driver for Sikorski for the past seven or eight years.
Region 10 Superintendent of Schools Alan Beitnam said Thibault was a meeting with Sikorski Bus Company of Burlington Monday. He said he believes Thibault will be suspended. The substitute driver will face immediate disciplinary action, he said.
Sikorski Bus Company said Monday that Thibault is no longer employed by the company. The company sent an official letter of termination Monday. Thibault knew she had been terminated when she left the building on Friday, according to the company.
Thibault was charged with driving under the influence and risk of injury to minors. She was released on a $2,500 bond and is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Bristol on Dec. 15.
