Six students identified in Kaneland bus prank

Kaneland officials have identified at least six high school seniors who deflated tires on the district's bus fleet last Friday, canceling school.

Administrators will meet today to decide on disciplinary measures, including whether to file criminal charges, Superintendent Charles McCormick said.

The prank cost the district at least $4,000, which included loss of materials, labor and other costs.

"Restitution is a given," McCormick said.

Before school Thursday, heaters for the district's 40 buses were unplugged, but that was fixed before buses went out in the morning.

On Friday morning, the heaters were unplugged and one tire deflated from each bus. It took until 3 p.m. to fix the problems, inspect each bus for further problems and get them ready to go back on the road, McCormick said.

The incident has forced the district to reconsider its communication and security measures. Because the damage wasn't discovered until about 5:30 a.m. -- the district's deadline for getting information about closings to media and parents -- it caused a lot of confusion around the district, McCormick said.

With temperatures below zero that day, it was a danger to students waiting for buses, said Lisa Wiet, school board president.

The district likely will buy an automated calling system soon and consider fencing or security cameras around the busing area.

At least two elementary school grades had field trips scheduled for that day and can't get their money back, teachers said.