Concerns over student safety on school buses took center stage during the recent Binghamton City School District Board of Education meeting, as a parent shared harrowing experiences involving her children. The mother recounted two alarming incidents that left her feeling compelled to homeschool her children due to safety fears.
She described a situation where her 17-year-old encountered distressing circumstances, and her 5-year-old narrowly avoided a potential crisis while asleep at home. These experiences have led her to question the reliability of the school bus system, particularly after hearing about similar issues from other parents.
The parent expressed frustration over the district's apparent lack of accountability regarding bus safety, stating, "I didn't sign no contract with that bus. I don't know who's driving it." She urged the board to take a closer look at the safety protocols in place, emphasizing the emotional toll these incidents have taken on families.
In a passionate plea, she highlighted the need for the community and school officials to prioritize the well-being of students during transportation. "We have to reach out to them and make sure that they're good afterwards as well," she said, calling for a collaborative effort to ensure the safety of all children.
The meeting underscored a growing concern among parents about the safety of school transportation, prompting the board to consider further discussions on improving oversight and communication regarding student safety on buses.