Local
Melissa ISD ends Route 15 driver’s employment after McKinney arrest
Phillip Bates was arrested Tuesday on a child pornography charge, and Melissa ISD says it fired him after learning of the arrest. The district says it has no information linking the case to students or school activities and is coordinating with McKinney police.
A Melissa Independent School District bus driver was arrested Tuesday by McKinney police on a child pornography charge and was fired after district administrators learned of the arrest, school officials said Wednesday.
Phillip Bates drove the district’s Route 15, according to a safety notice sent to families by Melissa ISD Police Chief Chris Fontana. The district said Bates has had no contact with students since it became aware of the charge.
“At this time, we have no information indicating a connection between this matter and Melissa ISD students,” Fontana said in the notice. He said the district is reviewing relevant information and communicating with local law enforcement as it considers steps to support student safety.
McKinney police have primary jurisdiction over the criminal investigation. The district directed questions about the arrest and case to the department.
Melissa ISD urged students or families with safety concerns to contact law enforcement or school administrators, or use the district’s anonymous tip system.