Rutherford County school board rescinds parent-responsibility zone after parents cite safety, equity concerns

The Rutherford County School System voted May 7 to rescind its recently approved Parent Responsibility Zone policy after parents and local leaders told the school board the change would endanger children and disproportionately burden low-income families.

The board’s decision followed public comment from four speakers, including parents and La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole, who said the PRZ — which would limit bus transportation for some students living within one to 1.5 miles of school — would force children onto roads without sidewalks and across high-speed highways. "This policy in its current form is not ready until sidewalks, crosswalks, and extended school zones are in place," said Elizabeth Adkins, a parent, citing roads she described with "55 to 65 mile per hour speed limits." Ashley Hale, a parent and active volunteer, said a temporary pause was insufficient and urged the board to remove the policy permanently: "When we say parent responsibility zone, we must remember, this is not a walk zone. It's a warning zone and a…