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Parents tell school board bus problems and attendance-record errors are reducing instruction time; one requests early kindergarten
Summary
Two speakers at the Chesapeake School Board hearing raised concerns about bus service and attendance-record accuracy and requested follow-up; another parent asked about early kindergarten admission for a daughter whose birthday falls after the September 30 cut-off.
Two members of the public addressed the Chesapeake School Board during the hearing-of-citizens period, raising concerns about bus transportation, attendance records and early kindergarten admission.
A resident who did not give a name at the podium described recurring transportation problems in their area and said attempts to get assistance from the division’s director of attendance, enrollment and health services were unsatisfactory. The speaker said they collected 49 tardy slips for their child and alleged those tardies were not reflected in the student’s official attendance record. The speaker said, “Averaging 5 minutes per tardy, which is a conservative estimate by each of the 49 tardy slips I've handed up to you, that equals 2 45 minutes, which equates to over 4 hours of missed instruction.” The resident asked the board to direct appropriate departments to follow up on attendance-data accuracy and bus-routing or service issues.
The speaker also said they spoke with the director of attendance, enrollment and health services and characterized that response as dismissive; the speaker requested further investigation and follow-up from staff. The board’s stated practice is to receive information during public comment and have staff evaluate concerns and respond when appropriate.
The second speaker, Danny Keys, identified himself and said his daughter Skyler is enrolled at Chittum Elementary and that his family is a military family temporarily in the district. Keys said his daughter’s birthday is in October and that he has been told a child must be 5 on or before Sept. 30 to start kindergarten. He said his daughter has been in a class and performed well and that teachers have encouraged him to pursue options for early admission. Keys said he had contacted the deputy clerk’s office in advance and had also emailed staff and was seeking guidance on the process and eligibility for early kindergarten entry.
Board chair Angie Swigert and staff acknowledged the comments and reiterated that the board’s practice is not to engage in extended dialogue during public comment; the superintendent’s staff will evaluate the concerns and provide responses as appropriate.
