Superintendent’s Update

Belleville Henderson Central School District
November 13, 2026

Dear Belleville Henderson Families and Community Members,

I want to take this opportunity to address the bus accident that occurred yesterday, Thursday, November 12, 2026, involving a Belleville Henderson Central School District bus.

First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone involved in this incident. We recognize that news of a school bus accident can be frightening and unsettling for students, parents, staff, and our entire community. As a school district, the safety and well-being of our students and staff will always be our highest priority.

Thank you for your patience while we worked to gather and verify all relevant information regarding the incident and cooperate with the appropriate emergency personnel and authorities. Our focus remains on ensuring that everyone involved receives the necessary support and that families receive accurate information.

We also recognize the important role our transportation staff, school personnel, first responders, and emergency services play in responding to situations such as this. We are grateful for their efforts and professionalism.

Here is information that I can share at this time.  

Yesterday our PM Boces bus was traveling back to school on County Rt 75 and was involved in a two vehicle accident.  The driver of the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed and entered our bus’ lane of travel. The vehicle collided with our bus.  Our driver, Mr. Gehrke, is at Upstate and in stable condition.  We had 16 students on the bus.  

11 of those students went to the fire station, were checked and cleared by EMTs, then released to parents.  Four students were taken by ambulance to Samaritan Hospital and later released to go home.  One student was taken by their parent to Carthage Hospital and was released last night as well.  All of our students went home last night. 

We have counselors and professionals on-site to offer support for students, families and staff that have been affected by the accident. If anyone needs support over the weekend, please reach out to Mrs. Worden, Mrs. Costello or me through ParentSquare and we will contact you as soon as possible.  

At this time, we ask that families respect the privacy of the students and individuals involved. We will share additional information with our school community as it becomes available and when it is appropriate to do so.

I understand that parents and community members may have questions and concerns. Please know that we take those concerns seriously. We will continue to review the circumstances surrounding this incident and remain committed to maintaining the safest possible transportation environment for our students.

Belleville Henderson is a close-knit community, and during difficult moments like this, it is important that we come together, support one another, and keep our children at the center of everything we do.

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and continued support of our students, families, and staff.

Respectfully,

 

Timothy I. Filiatrault

Superintendent
Belleville Henderson Central School District