Parents urge district to support bowling team and fix bus issues after students report cold rides and a scolding incident

A parent and a community speaker asked the Neshaminy School Board to take action on three student-related concerns: more administrative support for the high school bowling team, bus windows left open in extreme cold, and a bus driver who reportedly scolded students after a parent raised concerns.

Regina Tayac of Highland Park, Levittown, told the board administrators did not attend senior night for the bowling team and that lack of visibility sends a discouraging message to athletes. She noted the team qualified for nationals in Lancaster, saying attendance by administrators at events matters to students. "These athletes are giving their best, and I believe they deserve to feel that their hard work is valued by the administration and our school community," she said.

Tayac also reported that bus windows on one route were left open a couple of inches while outside temperatures were in the single digits and that students had complained of discomfort and delays. She said students reported the driver told them they were being recorded and scolded them after a parent emailed about the open windows. "This kind of response not only damages student morale, but also discourages students from speaking up about concerns in the future," she said, and urged the board to investigate whether defrosters were functioning and to revisit busing procedures.

A district representative acknowledged the concern had been brought to administrators and said steps were being taken; the representative offered to speak with Tayac after the meeting. The board did not take formal action during the meeting on these issues, but the parent requested follow-up by staff.

Why it matters: Student transportation safety and staff treatment of students directly affect student welfare and participation in extracurricular activities. Parents and students asked for clearer responses and administrative presence at student events.

Clarifying details - Bowling team: Tayac said both boys and some girls qualified for nationals in Lancaster, and that administrators had not attended some events; Miss Lisa Pennington attended a recent match and was thanked by the speaker. - Busing: Tayac said one bus had windows open in single-digit temperatures and that students reported the driver claimed the defroster did not work; the parent asked the district to verify equipment function and seating comfort. - Incident: Tayac said students were scolded by the driver after a parent complaint; she said the scolding was captured on a recording, according to students.