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Parents urge Tippecanoe School Corp to review inclement-weather decisions after January crash
Summary
Two Lafayette parents told the board that icy road conditions on Jan. 15 led to a multi-vehicle crash that severely injured a student and asked the district to clarify how cancellation/delay decisions are made and how the district communicates with affected families.
Two parents recounted traumatic January crashes and urged the Tippecanoe School Corp board to review how the district decides school delays and cancellations.
Jessica Bowen, a Lafayette parent, told the board her child was life-flighted to Indianapolis and hospitalized for nine days after a Jan. 15 crash. Bowen said road conditions that morning were “so bad that even the EMTs couldn't stay standing on the ice” and asked what steps the district takes when deciding to delay or cancel school.
Tara Olivo, another parent, described her son’s multi-vehicle collision the same morning and said multiple county roads were “very, very unsafe and they weren't suitable for driving.” Olivo said first responders told them there were multiple accidents that morning and that the family has had limited contact from school staff afterward. “Anybody could have slid on those roads and nobody should have been driving there,” Olivo said.
Superintendent (name not given) responded directly after public comment, expressing sympathy and describing the district’s decision process: “We do try and err on the side of safety. We do consult with the sheriff, many different agencies. Our transportation director is on the road in the morning. We're up very, very early assessing the conditions.” She also reminded parents that they can keep children home if they feel conditions are unsafe and call the school to report an absence.
Neither parent asked the board for a specific formal action at the meeting; they requested clearer guidance on which agencies are consulted and better follow-up communication from schools to families after serious incidents. The board did not vote on any policy change at the meeting.
The board thanked the parents for sharing their experiences and noted the superintendent’s assurances about the district’s current practices. Board members did not announce immediate policy changes; the next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13 at the Elston Administration Center.
