During a recent government meeting, community members voiced urgent concerns regarding transportation access for students at Kenmore Elementary. Janessa Hope, an English language development teacher and chair of the Bridal and Educational Justice Committee, emphasized the necessity of engaging families in decision-making processes to address systemic issues rooted in racism. She highlighted the challenges faced by multilingual learners and families experiencing poverty, advocating for the elimination of barriers to educational justice.
Eileen Hammer, a former PTA officer at Kemmer Elementary, echoed these sentiments, recalling that the community had previously secured a bus service to support students' access to education. She noted that the current lack of transportation disproportionately affects lower-resourced families, who often lack alternatives. Hammer urged the district to consider reinstating the bus stop, stressing the importance of addressing the fears expressed by children and the broader implications for community cohesion.
The discussions underscored a collective call for action to ensure equitable access to education for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Community members are advocating for a reevaluation of transportation policies to better serve the needs of families in the Kenmore area.