A custodian at McKeesport Area School District’s Founders Hall Middle School is facing serious charges after being caught with over 250 bags of suspected heroin or fentanyl on school grounds.
Jason Tom was arrested outside the school’s administration parking lot in the early hours of August 30.
According to police, Tom initially denied having drugs, but later admitted to possession and disclosed that he is struggling with addiction.
Parents, while empathetic to his situation, expressed concern about the safety of students. “It’s not healthy if you have kids here. It’s not a good example,” said parent Loshiel Bose.
Another parent, Christine Druga, added, “Obviously, that’s not something we want around our kids… I’m glad he got caught, but this could’ve been prevented.”
Some in the community are calling for policy changes, including more rigorous employee screenings. Druga suggested, “Any employees dealing with the school should be tested before they’re hired.”
Tom is currently facing possession charges, with a preliminary hearing set for late October. The school district has yet to comment on his employment status.
This incident comes as McKeesport Area School District faces other scandals, including the arrest of its former police chief, Brenda Sawyer, for allegedly embezzling nearly $125,000 to fund a gambling habit, and the resignation of Superintendent Tia Wanzo after a security guard was charged with a relationship with a student.
As investigations continue, the district is grappling with growing concerns from parents and community members about employee conduct and safety.
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