Resident raises bus safety concerns; transportation staff point to GPS and camera records

Tom Marshall, a resident of Christie Road, told the Franklin Regional School Board on Jan. 13, 2025, he has observed school buses and other vehicles crossing the centerline, traveling at speed on narrow and winding local roads, and occasionally failing to slow or yield. He said the problem seemed more apparent during the recent school season and described a near miss on a steep, bendy section of Christie Road.

Marshall asked the board to address the situation; he said drivers did not slow and that several nearby collisions have occurred in the area. He urged the district to take action, saying drivers “have to maintain their speed and stay on their side of the road.”

District staff responses: Board members asked whether the problem was recent; Marshall said it had become more noticeable over the last three months. Board business‑office staff (Mr. Perry) and other officials responded that the district can investigate individual reports if residents provide bus numbers. Staff said buses have GPS and on‑board video, and that transportation supervisors (identified in the meeting as Mrs. Kao) review complaints. Callers who can provide a bus number or other identifying details were asked to contact the transportation office or the business office so staff can trace incidents using GPS and camera records.

Why it matters: reports of unsafe driving by school buses raise safety concerns for motorists and students. The board and staff indicated the district uses GPS and cameras to investigate and encouraged residents to report incidents with bus numbers so staff can follow up.

Next steps: Staff requested that residents provide bus numbers when filing complaints with the transportation office so the district can examine GPS and on‑board camera evidence and address driver behavior with the bus contractor as needed.