District to step up security after school buses vandalized again
The DeKalb County (Ga.) School District buses have an estimated tens of thousands of dollars of damage, and cannot be driven until they are repaired. The district plans to reallocate $125,000 to enhance security at the lot where the buses were damaged.
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. — The DeKalb County School District plans to reallocate $125,000 to enhance security after damage to 10 buses by vandals, and the possible theft of one other bus, WSB-TV reports.
School officials told WSB-TV the buses were used as “bumper buses” in the district’s bus lot, and vandals also destroyed another eight buses three weeks ago. Additionally, 90 bus batteries were stolen from the district in December.
The damage to the buses is estimated at tens of thousands of dollars, and they cannot be driven until they are repaired, WXIA reports. Authorities are investigating how and when the thief or thieves gained access to the buses; there were no cameras placed where the buses were parked that could have recorded the incident, according to WXIA.
The district told WSB-TV that it had wanted to improve security at the lot, but didn't have money to do so. On Monday, the school board approved funding to hire a security officer. Joshua Williams, the district's chief operating officer, added the district would place more security cameras and lighting at the site. The district also plans to reinforce broken bus yard fencing and require a pass to gain access, according to WSB-TV.
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