Bourbonnais, IL – Bourbonnais Elementary School District 53 will reopen schools Friday using a temporary fleet of borrowed and rented buses after the theft of catalytic converters disabled the district’s entire transportation system.
District officials confirmed Thursday evening that alternative buses have been secured through partnerships with neighboring districts and private providers. Despite the theft, which left the original fleet inoperable, the district emphasized that students will be transported safely and school will proceed as scheduled.
According to Superintendent Dr. Adam Ehrman, the surrogate fleet will operate on regular bus routes with usual pickup and drop-off times. However, families may see buses with different numbers or logos, as many are on loan from outside the district.
“Our regular BESD53 bus drivers will still be driving each route,” Ehrman said in a message to families. “Ensuring a familiar and safe experience for our students.”
The incident, which forced a district-wide closure on Thursday, is under investigation. No suspects have been identified in the reported catalytic converter thefts.
Officials expressed gratitude for the community’s support and the swift collaboration with surrounding school systems to reduce disruption. It remains unclear how long the district will rely on the substitute buses.
Students are expected to return to classrooms Friday, with further updates from the district to follow as the situation develops.
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