Bonham ISD Superintendent Kelly Trompler expressed gratitude to the BISD parents, families, staff, and the community for their support and patience during the challenging situation. The school district was alerted to the escapee situation at 7:00 a.m. Despite the circumstances, the decision to cancel school for the day was deemed impractical, with many students already en route or present within school premises.
The Superintendent asserted the belief that students were safer within the school buildings, where additional police presence was deployed, compared to being at home without adult supervision.
The school day witnessed an unusual increase in vehicle traffic during pick-up due to over 300 students from IW Evans and LH Rather campuses, who typically walk home, being prohibited from doing so. The Superintendent acknowledged the frustration caused by the long pick-up lines but emphasized that student safety remained the top priority.
Multiple outside agencies including Honey Grove PD and Bells ISD PD responded to Bonham ISD campuses to provide enhanced security for the students and staff.
Around 4:45 p.m., authorities confirmed the capture of the fugitive, alleviating concerns about school safety. As a result, Bonham ISD announced that classes will resume as normal on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
