“We continue to reiterate that reducing transportation was not a decision we wanted to make,” Superintendent Doug Killian said. “In fact, it was one that was very difficult and still remains an issue for us today.”
The school board heard from community members at the Sept. 9 meeting as parents and students called for bus routes to be reinstated.
What they’re saying
Since the board unanimously approved the district's fiscal year 2024-25 budget and transportation reduction plan in June, parents have expressed concerns about the increase in vehicular traffic and students walking or biking in poor weather and other potentially dangerous conditions.
Rosemary Wilson, a CFISD student who is no longer eligible for bus service, told trustees she has had to walk in 100-degree temperatures and rain since the start of the school year Aug. 19.
Additionally, Wilson said her route to school crosses West Road and, due to speeding cars, she feels the road is not safe despite having a crosswalk and crossing guard.
“My walking group includes kids in younger grades, and we don't always have an adult walking home with us. It's quite scary to walk alongside West Road,” Wilson said. “We have to walk close to the fence so we don't get run over by a car. ... I hope you bring back bus service.”
How we got here
Community Impact previously reported that after budget cuts, the district will still face an anticipated $77.5 million shortfall, which officials have said will be covered by reserves. Changes to this year's transportation plan were expected to save the district around $4.8 million.
Under the plan, elementary students who living within 1 mile of their campus and middle and high school students who live within 2 miles of their campus are no longer eligible for bus service with the exception of students who live on routes with hazardous traffic conditions.
Additionally, the transportation cuts eliminated late bus runs for those involved in after-school programs as well as service to alternative learning centers.
CFISD parent Sheryl Liaw said Sept. 9 she believes bus service is a necessity and should not have been affected by budget cuts.
“Student safety should always be a top priority for any school district. Please start prioritizing student safety over budget savings,” she said.
Some context
Killian said the district is taking steps to prioritize safety, including:
- Meeting with homeowners associations and municipal utility districts
- Training 333 staff members and 14 community members to serve as crossing guards
- Having 111 district police officers work extended hours in the first two weeks of school to help with traffic control
- Working with county law enforcement officials to offer additional support in local neighborhoods where students are walking to and from school
He reported 52 vacancies in this area as of Sept. 9.
“Transportation departments nationwide have grappled with driver shortages for years, but it has been worse since the pandemic. We are no exception,” he said.
