Teachers Sound Alarm on Bus Crisis Impacting Students

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

In a recent meeting of the Durham Public Schools Board of Education, educators and parents voiced urgent concerns over a transportation crisis that is disproportionately affecting students from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. The meeting, held on November 7, 2024, highlighted the critical link between reliable transportation and student attendance, particularly for those who rely on school buses to get to class.

Beth Clifford, an ESL teacher, shared her firsthand experience with the impact of chronic absenteeism among her students. She noted that attendance rates in her classroom had improved significantly due to an intervention plan, but that progress has been reversed as bus service disruptions have led to a staggering 44% of her students now being chronically absent. This is a sharp increase from the school average of 41%, underscoring the urgent need for reliable transportation.

Clifford urged the board to consider the equity implications of the bus crisis, particularly for students in the McKinney-Vento program and those with unique linguistic challenges. She pointed out that the graduation rate for English language learners is currently at 62%, significantly lower than their economically disadvantaged peers at 81%. The lack of transportation options, she argued, exacerbates these disparities, making it difficult for families without cars to ensure their children attend school regularly.

Tonia Shafto, another ESL teacher, presented data from a recent survey conducted among students, revealing that 102 out of 132 bus riders reported missing school due to bus issues. Many students reported waiting long periods for buses that never arrived, leading to missed classes and increased anxiety about their safety when using public transportation. Shafto emphasized that the bus crisis is not just a logistical issue but a significant barrier to educational equity.

Parents also expressed their frustrations. Gareli Spansosorio, a 6th-grade ESL teacher, shared stories of parents who are left in the dark about bus schedules, often receiving last-minute notifications about cancellations. This uncertainty forces families to scramble for alternative transportation, which is not always feasible, especially for those working multiple jobs.

David Klein, a parent of two DPS students, offered to help organize families who can assist those in need of transportation solutions. He acknowledged that while individual efforts can provide temporary relief, a structural solution is necessary to address the ongoing transportation crisis.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the bus crisis is not merely an operational challenge but a pressing equity issue that affects the educational outcomes of some of the district's most vulnerable students. The board faces the critical task of finding solutions that ensure all students have access to reliable transportation, allowing them to attend school and succeed academically.

Converted from #DPSCommunity | DPS Board of Education Monthly Work Session | 11/7/24 meeting on November 08, 2024
Link to Full Meeting