During a recent government meeting, transportation issues took center stage as two speakers voiced their concerns regarding the impact of bus schedules on students' well-being and safety.

Isaiah Smith, a second grader from Maya Angelou French Immersion, highlighted the challenges he faces due to late bus arrivals. He expressed frustration over missing breakfast at school, stating that when he arrives late, he is unable to enjoy the hot meals prepared for students. Isaiah emphasized the importance of breakfast for his learning and requested changes to the bus schedule to ensure he and his peers can start their day properly nourished.

Following Isaiah, Theresa Smith, a concerned parent of children with special needs, raised critical safety issues related to transportation. She described the vulnerabilities faced by her children at bus stops, particularly in light of recent modifications to bus assignments and routes. Theresa pointed out that the designated bus stop for one of her children requires navigating a dangerous area with heavy traffic and inadequate safety measures, including a lack of sidewalks and obstructed views at intersections. She recounted a near-miss incident involving her child and urged the board to reconsider the safety protocols in place.

Theresa also echoed Isaiah's concerns about the timing of bus arrivals, noting that her children often miss breakfast due to the close scheduling of bus routes to school start times. She called for a revision of the bus schedule to ensure that all students have adequate time to eat breakfast, which she described as a crucial meal for their health and academic success.

Both speakers underscored the urgent need for improvements in transportation services to prioritize student safety and well-being, particularly for those with special needs. Their testimonies reflect a growing concern among parents and students regarding the adequacy of current transportation policies and their direct impact on education.