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Resident tells board Bartlett school bus policy leaves some Appling Middle students without service
Summary
A Bartlett resident told the board that recent changes to Bartlett City Schools Policy 3018 and Tennessee code '49 6 dash 21 0 1' leave neighborhoods east of Appling Middle School beyond the 1.5-mile walking threshold and without bus service; she said she has raised the concern with the school board and sought to put the issue on the record.
Tammy Kirk of 3433 Big Springs Lane addressed the Board during the citizen forum to record a complaint about Bartlett City Schools transportation policy and its application to neighborhoods east of Appling Middle School.
Kirk said Policy 3018 changed in 2024 to align with "Tennessee code 49 6 dash 21 0 1," and she alleged that students in her neighborhood and adjacent areas along Ellis Road and Fletcher Hollow exceed the 1.5-mile walking-distance threshold and are therefore not being provided bus transportation. She told the board she has brought the matter to the school board and the district's transportation supervisor but said the consistent response was that those areas fall under parental responsibility despite the policy change.
Kirk said she has prepared a list of addresses showing walking distances of 0.3, 0.4, 0.9 and 1.0 miles where busing is provided and contrasted that with the neighborhoods east of Appling where walking distances allegedly exceed 1.5 miles because of lack of walking routes.
Board members did not take formal action on the item during the meeting; Kirk said she will continue to pursue the issue with the school board.
Why it matters: The complaint alleges inconsistent application of district transportation rules that could affect students' safe access to school by walking routes and the provision of school bus service.
Next steps: Kirk said she will continue to escalate the matter with the school board; the city board placed the comment on the public record but did not act.
