Coatesville high school students learn virtually after bus hit by gunfire: 'We will get through this together'
COATESVILLE, Pa. - Both high schools in the Coatesville School District will move to a Flexible Instruction Day after a school bus was hit by gunfire shortly after dismissal.
"As educators and parents, we understand the concern and seriousness of this incident," Superintendent Dr. Van Vooren said. "We are a district that deeply cares for our students, and we will get through this together."
The district says the school bus was hit by at least two bullets while transporting students home near the intersection of Hope and Madison streets. One bullet went through the windshield and narrowly missed the bus driver, who is credited with driving the students to safety. No one aboard the bus was injured.
A 17-year-old was arrested in the shooting and has been charged with aggravated assault and related offenses, prosecutors announced Friday. Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said the teen will be charged as an adult, and investigators are still looking for three other suspects.
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School bus struck by gunfire in Coatesville: DA
A Coatesville Area School District bus was struck by gunfire in Coatesville Thursday, the Chester County District Attorney says.
"We have spoken with the students who were on the bus to check on their well-being and will continue to stay in close communication with their families, offering full support services as needed," Dr. Vooren said.
A Flexible Instruction Day, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website, is "used as an alternative approach to delivering instruction if a circumstance arises that prevents instruction in the customary manner." Elementary and middle school students will have regular in-person instruction.
"We are a district that deeply cares for our students, and we will get through this together," Dr. Vooren said.