Three apologize for Kaneland school bus vandalism

Three teens issued public apologies to the students, staff and administration of the Kaneland school district after vandalizing more than 40 of the district's school buses last month.

The students apologized at Monday night's school board meeting for the incident, which took place Jan. 25 and caused classes to be canceled for the day.

"I definitely didn't consider the consequences of my actions," said Scott Kopis, 18, of Elburn, as he read from written notes. "I want to apologize to all the parents and the children who were affected by my actions. I want to especially apologize to the little kids. In retrospect it was a very foolish thing to do."

In addition to Kopis, Daniel Heath, 18, of Maple Park and Neil Tomsheck, 17, of Elburn also were charged with misdemeanor criminal damage to property, according to the Kane County Sheriff's office.

On Jan. 25 district officials discovered that more than 40 buses had at least one flat tire. Plugs that prevented engine fluids from freezing also were disconnected.

Heath stated that although he felt that fellow students might have viewed him as a "hero" after disabling the buses, he wanted to dispel that notion.

"Instead of heroic, it was a complete lapse of my good judgment," Heath said. "It was something that seemed like a harmless prank. It was never my intention to cause anyone harm."

He also offered to speak and apologize to students, if the board felt it was necessary.

Board President Lisa Wiet said she hoped the students realized the far-reaching effects of their actions.

"It was the coldest day of the year," Wiet said during the meeting. "There were children waiting out in the cold for buses; there were parents who had to make other arrangements."