Students demand transportation solutions at Abbott Lawrence Academy Council meeting

The Lawrence City Council meeting on June 27, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding transportation issues affecting students at Abbott Lawrence Academy (ALA). The meeting began with public comments, highlighting the challenges faced by students due to the relocation of the school to a new campus.

Azucena Flores, a rising senior at ALA, addressed the council about her daily commute. She expressed concerns over the increased walking time from her home to the new campus, which would extend her daily travel to four hours. Flores emphasized the safety risks associated with walking long distances, particularly for young women, citing experiences of harassment during her current 35-minute walk. She urged the council to consider funding school buses to ensure safe and reliable transportation for students.

Following Flores, Christopher Baez, a student at ALA, echoed her concerns but focused on the parking situation for both students and teachers at the new building. He pointed out that the limited parking available would not accommodate the needs of over 500 staff members, unlike the ample parking at the previous Lawrence High School location. Baez proposed that teachers be exempt from parking meter fees, which could alleviate some financial burdens and encourage them to drive to school.

The discussions underscored a pressing need for improved transportation solutions for ALA students and staff, with both speakers calling for immediate action from the council to address these critical issues. The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to further investigate the transportation challenges raised by the community.