Mar. 5, 2025 -- At the monthly regular Board of Education meeting on March 4, the Superintendent and Board of Education recognized the driver of bus 21, Dorian Pace, for his heroic actions on February 27. Watch Mr. Pace's interview with Good Morning America (March 4) below.

Dear CH-UH Staff and Families,

This morning, a fire broke out behind one of the rear wheels of bus 21 while it was at the corner of Cambridge and Northampton roads in Cleveland Heights, prompting the driver to quickly evacuate all of the students off of the bus. First and foremost, I can’t express how relieved I am that no one was hurt, and I am incredibly grateful for the quick response from the driver. I spoke with the driver today, and they credited the annual bus evacuation drills that drivers do with students with preparing them. (The driver has asked not to be identified, and we are respecting that request.) I also must credit the students for reacting so calmly and following the driver’s instructions to get to safety.

At the time of the fire, the bus was transporting 15 students to Monticello Middle School. Another CH-UH driver was in the area and was able to pick up the students and get them to school. Administrators, social workers, counselors, teachers, and additional staff at Monticello jumped into action to ensure supports were in place at school for students upon arrival.

We are investigating the cause of the fire in partnership with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and we will share information when it becomes available. Although bus 21 passed its annual mandated state inspection that just took place on February 14, 2025, our mechanic teams have re-inspected all buses in our fleet today out of an abundance of caution.

Again, I am truly thankful for the safety of our students and thoughtful action from the adults who care for them.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Liz Kirby