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Board approves supplemental transportation plan for four Centennial schools citing unsafe walk routes
Summary
The Centennial School Board voted May 14 to approve a supplemental transportation plan that would allow bus service for all students at four schools because of unsafe walk routes lacking sidewalks, lighting or shoulders.
The Centennial School Board voted May 14 to approve a supplemental transportation plan that will allow the district to provide bus transportation to 100% of students attending Pleasant Valley Elementary, Park Lane Elementary, Patrick Lynch Elementary and Oliver Middle School because of unsafe walking routes.
Director Sotherton introduced the proposal as a first step that the board must submit to the Oregon Department of Education for final authorization. “This is a…proposal of a supplemental transportation plan to allow a % of transportation for 4 schools in our district due to the unique conditions for students that walk to those schools on those walk routes,” Sotherton said, listing lack of sidewalks, poor lighting and heavy traffic as key factors.
Board members raised concerns about language in the plan referencing people experiencing homelessness along some walk routes. One director cautioned the board not to “villainize those families,” saying the plan’s language risked stigmatizing community members. Director Sotherton acknowledged the point and said the primary concerns driving the request were infrastructure issues such as missing sidewalks, poor lighting and narrow shoulders.
Superintendent James Owens and Sotherton described practical details of implementation: many existing school routes already pass the affected areas, existing buses could accommodate additional stops in many cases, and the state reimburses districts for eligible pupil‑transportation operating cost at about 70% of actual expense. Sotherton said the district expects to know ODE’s decision within roughly 30 to 60 days after submission, and the district planned preliminary family outreach to estimate demand prior to final approval.
Board members and staff said they will continue coordinating with city and county agencies on roadway and pedestrian improvements, noting infrastructure funding at the municipal level is limited but that the district’s input has informed project planning in several locations.
The board approved the supplemental transportation plan and directed staff to submit it to ODE, survey families about potential participation, begin route planning contingent on ODE authorization and report back after implementation begins.
