DULUTH -- Lake Superior school district bus driver and janitor Jimmy James has announced his retirement from the district amid allegations that he sexually assaulted passengers on his North Shore Community School route this past year.
James, 62, who worked for the district for the last 38 years and most recently was head janitor at Two Harbors (Minn.) High School, has been accused of sexually assaulting five pre-teen girls from the charter school. He worked part-time as a school bus driver. North Shore shares bus services with the district.
The resignation letter, dated May 28, is just two sentences long: "This letter is to inform you that it is my intention to retire from the Lake Superior School District No. 381 as an employee at the Two Harbors High School and also as a bus driver for the district effective June 30, 2010. It has been my pleasure working for the district for these years."
The school board approved the retirement Thursday.
James had been on suspension without pay. He was placed on administrative leave March 19 and soon charged with five counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct for allegedly engaging in sexual contact with five students between ages 6 and 10. He was released from St. Louis County jail after posting a $100,000 bond.
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So far, there have been only preliminary court hearings in the case, the latest last week. James has not offered a plea. The next hearing is scheduled for July 14 in St. Louis County District Court.
