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Parents urge Forney ISD to restore visitor access for celebrations; another parent raises safety concerns after bus cancellation
Summary
Two public commenters asked the board to reconsider recent visitor restrictions that prevent parents from attending class parties and awards ceremonies, and separately urged the district to re-evaluate a transportation safety assessment after a bus cancellation left a 10-year-old with an unsafe walking route.
During the public comment period President Greg Ferris invited registered speakers to address the board.
Maria, who identified herself as a Forney ISD parent of three, said recent changes to the district's visitor policy prevent parents from attending important school events such as class parties, field day and end-of-year awards ceremonies. "I would like for the board to consider allowing parents to, uh, be allowed at these school functions," she said, arguing that parent engagement supports better student behavior and higher achievement and that students take pride when parents attend. Maria said the restriction has been “crushing” for families unable to celebrate milestones with their children.
Ernesto Alonso, another parent, described a separate concern about transportation: his son's school bus service was canceled because of a driver shortage, and the district told him the walking route to Wilson Elementary was safe for his 10‑year‑old. Alonso said the route lacks continuous sidewalks, has no stop signs at several intersections, no crossing guard, and a busy arterial that drivers use as a shortcut. "I just ask if somebody can re-evaluate this assessment," he said, asking the board to revisit the decision that the route is safe for his child.
Board members did not debate or respond during the public-comment period; Ferris reminded speakers that the district's formal grievance process should be used for specific employee or operational complaints and that the board typically will not respond during comments. The record shows the board received one written submission from a resident who chose not to speak.
Parents seeking action on either issue may expect the appropriate administrative offices (student services, transportation, or campus leadership) to be the next contacts for follow-up; during the meeting the board did not announce a specific follow-up timeline or decision.
