Parents decry long morning walks and rideshare costs as board hears transportation concerns
Summary
Public commenters asked the board to revisit student transportation rules and routes after families reported children walking up to 1.9 miles in early morning darkness and parents paying for rideshares; the finance committee said it had invited contractor First Student to explain service problems.
Francina Sloan told the board her 13‑year‑old granddaughter walks roughly 1.9 miles to school, leaving at about 6:30 a.m., sometimes in rain and darkness, and that the family has paid for rideshares sometimes costing $30. "Why does she have to walk almost 2 miles to school and then be ready to learn?" Sloan asked, saying the policy felt like the burden of budget shortfalls was falling on students.
A second speaker, who identified herself as a parent, described repeatedly paying about $30 several mornings a week for Uber rides and having to write excuse notes for tardiness when rides arrive late. "She's not getting to school till 7:45, 8:00," the parent said, noting that late arrivals affect class time and grades.
In committee reports the finance chair, Mr. Fain, said the board had invited a representative from First Student, the district transportation vendor, to address the board and explain recent service issues. "They are working very hard," Mr. Fain said, and the superintendent has taken recourse with the vendor, he reported. No formal motion to change routing or eligibility policy was made at the meeting; board members asked staff to continue engaging the vendor and to provide updates to the board and families.
Board members repeatedly framed the problem as operational and said communication about routes and options would continue. No change to district or state eligibility rules was adopted at the meeting.
