At the forum, candidates discussed school transportation alternatives and safety programs, including a walk-bus pilot at Salemwood aimed at getting students to school safely and on time.

Peter Piazza described his role as a "walk bus captain" in a Salemwood program run in partnership with Malden Safe Streets and said the initiative builds community while improving punctuality. He noted a WBZ reporter recently covered the program.

Candidates observed Malden does not operate a conventional yellow-bus system, which makes safe routes and pedestrian programs more important for student safety and attendance. They suggested expanding walk-bus models, Safe Routes partnerships and community volunteer programs where feasible.

Why it matters: Without district buses, candidates said coordinated walking and drop-off practices can reduce tardiness, create daily community engagement and address safety on routes to school.

No formal action or funding decisions were made at the forum; candidates framed walk-bus and Safe Routes as community-driven, incremental approaches that could be scaled with funding or volunteer support.