During a recent school board meeting, educators and parents voiced urgent concerns regarding the ongoing bus crisis affecting students, particularly those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. The testimonies highlighted a significant rise in chronic absenteeism linked to transportation issues, with attendance rates plummeting as bus services remain inconsistent.

Beth Clifford, an ESL teacher, reported that chronic absenteeism in her classroom surged from 20% to 44% in just one quarter, surpassing the school average. She emphasized the equity implications of the bus crisis, noting that many of her students lack reliable transportation and face unique challenges in advocating for their needs due to language barriers. The current graduation rate for English language learners stands at 62%, significantly lower than their economically disadvantaged peers at 81%.

Tonia Shafto, another ESL teacher, shared data from a recent survey of 173 students, revealing that 102 reported missing school due to bus issues. Many students expressed fear and anxiety about using public transportation, citing safety concerns. The survey indicated that 87% of English language learners do not have access to a family car, leaving them reliant on the unreliable school bus system.

Parents also expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding bus cancellations, which often occur during the school day, leaving students stranded and parents scrambling for solutions. One parent recounted a distressing experience where her children had to walk home alone for over an hour due to a missed bus.

David Klein, a parent of two students, offered to help organize families to address the transportation crisis while acknowledging that a structural solution is necessary. He suggested exploring privatization as a potential avenue for improving bus services.

The testimonies underscored the urgent need for the school board to prioritize resolving the transportation crisis, as it directly impacts students' ability to attend school and succeed academically. The educators and parents called for immediate action to ensure that all students have reliable access to transportation, emphasizing that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.