Somers Schools To Review Transportation Policies, Procedures

SOMERS, NY — The Somers school bus driver who was accused of driving while intoxicated remains suspended while the district continues to investigate. Superintendent Raymond Blanch emailed the community Thursday that there will be a consulting firm's review of transportation policies and procedures.

The firm will make a presentation at a special board of education meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the Journal News said.

Blanch said a transportation safety task force will be formed to review the consultant's findings and consider changes.

Bus driver William J. Mendez, 61, of Somers, was charged with aggravated DWI Leandra's Law, a felony, after state troopers were sent Dec. 9 to assist emergency medical service personnel at the district's school bus garage. They had received a report of someone having a stroke.

The school district said it had been notified by a parent that Mendez was acting strangely.

Authorities said an analysis of his blood alcohol content found it was 0.22 percent.

Mendez is scheduled to next appear in court Jan. 6.

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