For some parents and students in the Indian River County School District, the first day of school was not a smooth one.
I am voicing my opinion on behalf of several students at Pelican Island Elementary School and their concerned, frustrated parents, who on the first day of school, had to find out that their usual school bus stop of 8 years has been cancelled, taken off the route and not being available any longer. Parents are angry and upset and don’t think that their children should be walking to school. The sudden change in the bus transportation system is causing a lot of frustration and confusion.
In response to many of my phone calls to the Transportation Department, I have been told different variations of WHY the bus stop has been cancelled. Responses varied from “Not our concern”; “2 mile radius”; to “budget cuts”.
Honestly, it’s very sad that there is less state money available for our schools and the reality is now trickling down to school buses/routes/stops. Is this the future of our school, our country?
I have further received answers concerning the safety of “all our students”. How much safety can the school system assure when some of our children, age ranges 6-10, are forced to walk to school and/or back home along a busy street, and in a matter of fact, have to cross that street in order to get to and from school and back to their homes. Who will be held responsible if something happen? Would it be the parents fault for not being able to drop off or pick up their children from school? Would it be the schools fault for not providing adequate, safe transportation?
Many parents feel that the district is putting students’ safety at risk by forcing kids to walk in areas that don’t have sidewalks or adequate crosswalks. The most upsetting, however, is that the current bus route passes by the bus stop and only needs to make one simple turn. How much money can the school district really save by cutting off one single turn?
The families affected by this decision have been greatly impacted in their daily lives and routines, costing them lots of wasted time, extra money and changes in work schedules. Most of the parents have relied on the bus for 3 years or longer. The change in the transportation system proves again how much our educational system is failing in so many aspects.
Thanks to budget cuts on the wrong ends!
Cutting off our children’s bus stop is simply the craziest way I have heard of for the state and school district to save money. I am disgusted!!! State and local school systems should really weigh in the factors of safety for all students.
In response to the School Superintendents statement in the Press Journal (dated 8/21/2012) that “it was a great first day and everything was well-organized”, this may be true to some students and parents. It has, however, left many others angry, frustrated and upset.
I am very much concerned about our children’s safety, their well being and their future in a school system where it seems that cutting off money from the budget is the first priority over safety, security and responsibility. The ones who are negatively impacted by it are truly our children. It is sad but true.
Thank you U.S. Education Department!!! What comes next?
Thank you for listening,
Antje Broze
Sebastian
