BEECH GROVE, Ind. — Beech Grove City Schools said Friday that there will be no transportation for the district after thieves stole catalytic converters from all school buses overnight.
“We were just alerted to the theft of catalytic converters from all of our school buses overnight,” the district said in a message on its website. “Beech Grove City Schools will be in session today; however, we will have NO transportation services.”
Superintendent Laura Hammack confirmed the theft in a statement, stating the transportation fleet was “severely impacted.” 20 catalytic converters from their gasoline-fueled buses were stolen around midnight early Friday.
“It’s deeply concerning, in fact, it’s all of the emotions. I’m incredibly disappointed, angry, super frustrated,” she said.
Hammack said students unable to get to school will receive an excused absence.
The district said officials are working to restore bus service and are working with law enforcement on the ongoing investigation.
The district did not specify how many buses were affected or provide details about when the theft occurred.
Full statement from Dr. Laura Hammack, Superintendent:
"Beech Grove City Schools can confirm that overnight our transportation department experienced a significant theft incident involving the removal of catalytic converters from district school buses.
As a result of this criminal act, our transportation fleet has been severely impacted and we were unable to provide transportation services today.
School remains in session today. We worked quickly to communicate with families and implement plans to support students and minimize disruption to the greatest extent possible. Any students who are unable to make it to school today because of transportation services will be excused for their absence.
We are actively working with law enforcement as this remains an ongoing investigation.
Our team is moving urgently to assess the damage, determine next steps, and restore transportation services as quickly as possible.
We recognize the significant inconvenience this situation creates for our students, families, and staff, and we sincerely appreciate the patience, flexibility, and support of our community as we work through this unexpected challenge."
Several superintendents from neighboring districts reached out to offer their support as the school is still in session through next week.
“We will be borrowing Warren Township buses next week. Our students will still see friendly faces on the school bus because their school bus driver will be at the wheel,” said Hammack.
The school has placed an order to replace the missing catalytic converters, and they’re expected to arrive next week. Hammack says they’re talking to their insurance company about how much this could cost.
“It is going to be incredibly expensive. This is an area of our school budget that is stretched as it is, so we’re working in partnership to see if an insurance claim is in our best interest, or if this will just need to fundamentally need to be paid out of our bottom line,” said Hammack.
Repairs are expected to be complete in the next few weeks. The last day of school is Thursday.
