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Public hearing: SISD transportation officials say John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection not classified hazardous after construction completed
Summary
District transportation staff presented results of route reviews for Carrasco, Horizon Heights and other campuses and explained why the John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection no longer meets the state definition of a hazardous route; some parents and residents urged the board to preserve bus stops due to safety and distance concerns.
District transportation officials told trustees Wednesday that route changes affecting Carrasco and Horizon Heights were proposed after evaluating prevailing hazards, completion of nearby construction and community feedback, and that the John Hayes and Charles Foster intersection west of Pebble Hills High School does not currently meet the state’s definition of a hazardous route.
Transportation supervisor (presentation) said staff held community meetings at the campuses, observed the John Hayes/Charles Foster intersection in person with security and maintenance staff, and found a marked crosswalk, stop signs and unobstructed sight lines. He told the board the major park/construction that had driven the route’s hazardous designation in the prior year is now substantially complete, reducing the construction‑related risk.
Tommy Hill, a public commenter who lives in the area, said distances to alternative pickup points are long for some families: “Would you allow your pre‑K or kinder to walk across John Hayes 1.9 miles to school — 40 minutes to get to school?” Hill warned the proposed removal of stops could affect as many as 105 daily riders and up to 200 students who are eligible but do not ride every day.
Ryan Woodcraft, who attended the campus meeting, thanked staff for the presentation but urged the district to coordinate with city representatives on intersection safety improvements. “The intersection of John Hayes and Charles Foster is not an SISD issue, it is a city issue,” Woodcraft said, and noted he had already contacted Representative Ivan Nino about potential safety upgrades.
Board vice president Najera and Trustee Macias questioned staff about ridership numbers and the criteria for hazardous routes. Staff answered that combined ridership on the three affected bus routes was about 120 students and that the total student population in the area is roughly 400, but not all of those students ride daily. The state definition cited by staff treats a four‑way stop with marked crosswalks as a controlled intersection and not automatically hazardous.
Why it matters
Parents and staff said ending bus service at some stops could increase walking distances for young children and create traffic congestion during drop‑off and pickup. District staff said they would follow up with affected families and with city partners about potential safety improvements.
What happens next
Staff said they would notify impacted community members of follow‑up information, and that any final route changes will be implemented after additional communication. The district also said school administrators will temporarily relax tardy policies as families adjust if the change is finalized.
