SPRINGFIELD, Ohio-Springfield Local Schools faced a frustrating setback just days before the end of the school year when nine of its buses were vandalized, leading to the cancellation of some routes on Tuesday morning. Superintendent Matt Geha expressed disappointment at the senseless act, noting that the damage ranged from single hits to most of the windshield and even an entire row of windows.
Security camera footage showed masked individuals sneaking into the bus pool around 2 a.m. The vandals first struck on May 18, throwing rocks at three buses, and returned on May 28, damaging six more buses. Geha sought assistance from the Holland Police Department but had to cancel routes due to insufficient transportation. Fortunately, neighboring districts provided three buses by 10 a.m. However, the incident incurred significant costs for repairs and security enhancements, estimated at tens of thousands of dollars, including fencing, additional security cameras, and personnel expenses. While insurance will cover bus repairs, the district will bear the burden of security upgrades.
