Williamsville board moves first reading of transportation policy 5710 and postpones adoption for further study

A parent complaint about bus stop placement during public comment prompted an extended discussion of policy 5710 at the Williamsville board meeting on Oct. 14.

Jeffrey Fuent told the board his son had been allowed to be picked up in front of the house in previous years, but district staff began strictly enforcing a policy that designated stops at intersections or fire hydrants. He asked the board to amend the policy to allow common‑sense exceptions so children would not have to walk down the street or wait in a neighbor’s driveway. Superintendent Dr. Brownhall said the policy under review (first reading) is the version being presented for a first reading that evening and that the district is adhering to existing policy while also launching a transportation safety study.

The district said it will partner with a transportation safety consulting firm to review bus stops — especially where sidewalks are lacking — with the study beginning the last week of October and a presentation to the board to follow. Board members described the revised language in the forthcoming policy as allowing more flexibility for district‑designated safe locations and noted that previous transportation efficiency reviews enabled the district to reallocate athletic buses to better serve students.

The board approved the first reading of policy 5710 as presented and then unanimously voted to postpone the second reading and adoption until the Nov. 18 meeting so that the consulting firm can complete its review and the board can consider any recommended changes.