Deadly bus accident prompts other districts to review procedures
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) – Following a deadly bus accident, some Central Indiana school districts are reviewing safety procedures.
The accident happened at Lawrence Township’s Amy Beverland Elementary School. The images from the day haunted some parents.
“It was horrifying,” grandparent Cindy Moore said. “I mean, it was terrifying for that to happen.”
“It was just very sad,” parent Lavon Wade said. “It was very difficult to hear for myself, and for my kids.”
Officers say Amy Beverland Elementary School principal, Susan Jordan, was killed after a bus drove onto the sidewalk Tuesday. Two other children were hurt.
It happened during afternoon bus pickup. Something nearly all schools do, which made some parents worry.
“The minute I heard it, I just thought of my grandchildren, and is everybody being safe,” Moore said. “Everything that I’ve seen with our [Hamilton Southeastern Schools] seems to be safe, but it’s always good to review that when anything like that takes place,” Wade said.
In fact, Hamilton Southeastern Schools (HSE) says it is reviewing some procedures. Following the accident, officials sent 24-Hour News 8 a statement, saying in part:
“As a result, HSE is reviewing all safety procedures and practices. Finally, we are asking that our bus drivers, parents and student drivers operate with heightened vigilance when encountering pedestrians and vehicles, heeding all traffic laws.”
“I’m just glad to hear that, and I’m not surprised at all because HSE is always on top of everything,” Wade said.
Parents said this review is important so that they never have to hear something like that happened at their child’s school.
“When something like that happens, you’re always fearful that something could happen to your family, anyone close to you,” Moore said. “It’s just a scary thing to happen.”
As far as a review in Lawrence Township, the district says the incident remains under investigation and they can’t really answer more about their procedures until their investigation is complete.
Full HSE statement:
“Our condolences go out to the students, staff, and families of MSD Lawrence Township. We continue to keep the school corporation, specifically the Amy Beverland Elementary School community in our thoughts and prayers.
The safety of HSE students and staff is paramount as we develop and regularly evaluate the transportation procedures and practices of our district. The recent bus tragedy heightens the conversation surrounding school bus safety throughout the state and nation. As a result, HSE is reviewing all safety procedures and practices. Finally, we are asking that our bus drivers, parents and student drivers operate with heightened vigilance when encountering pedestrians and vehicles, heeding all traffic laws.
Join us as we continue to ensure that HSE Schools provides the safest student transportation experience possible. Again, our thoughts are with our colleagues in Lawrence Township during this difficult time.”
Washington Township Schools also released a statement:
“As the incident is still under investigation and a cause has not yet been determined, we are awaiting specific issues to review. Once we know more from the investigation, we will pinpoint areas to review for best transportation safety practices.”
Decatur Township Schools released this statement:
“As student safety is our top priority, we review all of our transportation and safety procedures on a regular an ongoing basis.”
Perry Township Schools released a statement Thursday night:
“In light of the tragic incident in Lawrence Township Perry Township Schools this week reviewed all safety procedures involving school buses. We have reviewed our pick up and drop off procedures at each school building. We found no concerns that would prompt any changes to our procedures at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Principal Jordan’s family, the students and others who’s lives have been touched by this tragedy”.