Parent raises concern about students being kept on buses before school at Carson Valley Middle School

A Carson Valley Middle School parent, May Hyatt, told the board that students were being required to remain on buses when they arrived on campus before the school day starts and asked whether the practice is districtwide.

Hyatt said her daughter sometimes is kept on the bus for “up to 8, 10 minutes” and that bus drivers cite an email telling them not to let students off until a set time: "The bus driver just said, we got an email that said we can't let you get off the bus until 15 after," she said. Hyatt raised concerns about children who need restroom access, want to attend breakfast, or need to meet with teachers, and she asked whether the policy delays drivers from starting subsequent routes and wastes fuel and exposes students to diesel fumes.

Board members acknowledged her comments and said staff would follow up. Superintendent Alvarado later noted staff would respond to the parent’s questions and copy the board in that communication.

Ending: District staff said they will investigate whether the bus-holding practice is specific to Carson Valley Middle School or districtwide and will respond to the parent with findings and any next steps.