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Merrimack Valley School Board opts not to enforce 1.5-mile walk zone after heated debate over safety and driver shortages
Summary
After extensive public comment about safety and family hardship, the Merrimack Valley School Board voted by voice to decline enforcement of a transportation committee recommendation to make a 1.5-mile walk zone around Pennacook Elementary. Board members and staff cited an ongoing bus-driver shortage, while parents urged contracting or budget adjustments to keep routes running.
The Merrimack Valley School Board on Aug. 4 voted by voice to not enforce a proposed 1.5-mile walk zone around Pennacook Elementary, rejecting a recommendation from the district's transportation committee after extended public comment and a lengthy board discussion.
The vote came after parents and residents said cutting bus service would endanger young children and impose financial burdens on working families. “I urge the board to do the right thing and fund the contractor,” said James Ziegra, a Pentacook resident and parent, arguing the district’s $47,900,000 budget could absorb the roughly $180,000 annual contract the district was offered. “A lot of these roads don’t have sidewalks,” Ziegra said,…
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