In the immediate aftermath of a Keokuk Community School District bus accident that occurred on the outer edge of the district there were minutes that felt like hours as district staff jumped into action and emergency services all raced to the scene of an overturned school bus on Argyle Road without knowing exactly what would be found. Thankfully the students and bus driver have all been treated and are expected to make a full recovery.
However, during those first few minutes before emergency personnel and district staff arrived, the driver and passengers were not alone, as community members driving by saw the bus and stopped to begin helping students with injuries get out of the bus. The district was incredibly grateful for those community members and is still in awe of the immediate and comprehensive emergency response from local, regional and neighboring states, including the multiple helicopters that arrived.
“The district and community saw firsthand how this community and the local authorities and emergency personnel would handle a larger emergency,” Todd Liechty, KCSD interim superintendent, said. “And at this moment it is clear that we are in good hands.”
As the district heads back to school in the morning, there will be extra friendly and familiar faces joining the students on the Argyle Road bus route to further support the students and families and the mental well being of everyone in the district.
The updated transportation plan includes a full week with special bus driver, Mr. Dave Grogan, KCSD transportation director, and companion riders of Mrs. Meghan Davis, George Washington principal, and Mrs. Amanda Mason, Hawthorne principal, on Monday morning. The added long-time staff members will help provide emotional support. Additionally, GW and Keokuk High School school guidance staff will be at Hawthorne Elementary and KMS to provide student support as needed.
The accident continues to be under review by the Iowa State Patrol and KCSD is cooperating. We will continue to update the public, specifically with more information on the cause of the one vehicle accident (school bus) once information is available and allowable to be shared, however the district cannot comment on an ongoing investigation.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dave Grogan, KCSD transportation director (left), is shown supported by a district staff member as Grogan ran one of the regularly schedule bus evacuation drills in the district with students.
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UPDATE – FRIDAY, AUG. 28
Dear District Families,
In a continued effort to update district families, we regretfully report that four students and one staff member were injured in the school bus-related accident that occurred at 1:50 p.m. today (Aug. 28), on Argyle Road in Keokuk. Emergency personnel transported those in need and local authorities have secured the scene.
As interim superintendent, I have been working with the KCSD Transportation Department, district staff and local authorities along with emergency services to communicate directly with the families of those involved and district families as a whole. Also, KCSD in partnership with local authorities are investigating the details of the accident to ensure the continued safety of every student and staff member in the district. On Monday, the district will have additional counseling services available in the school buildings for those in need.
KCSD would like to thank area communities and school districts that have reached out to offer their support during this time. For a recap of updates, KCSD previously sent alerts via the district’s communication application that included texts and emails to district families directly after the accident once the directly affected families had been personally contacted. Additional updates were also sent to district families as information has been made available.
Our hearts go out to the families involved and to our community. We will continue to communicate additional updates to families and we hope that the community will have a safe and restorative weekend.
Best regards,
Todd Liechty
KCSD Interim Superintendent
