During a recent government meeting, Adrianna Vander Ploem highlighted a critical issue affecting families in the Des Moines area: the inadequacy of school transportation. Vander Ploem, a working parent, expressed her concerns about the safety risks her 11-year-old daughter faces while walking alone to school, a 30-minute journey through a city with significant traffic and a high number of registered sex offenders.

Vander Ploem pointed out that living just within two miles of the school disqualifies her family from receiving a bus pass, a policy she argues endangers children. She criticized the Des Moines Public School System for not prioritizing student safety, questioning whether the district understands the challenges working parents face in ensuring their children's safe commute.

The speaker also raised concerns about the logistical difficulties posed by school hours that conflict with typical work schedules, making it hard for parents to ensure their children’s attendance and safety. Despite reaching out to school officials for solutions, Vander Ploem reported a lack of viable options and support.

She urged the school district to reconsider its transportation policies, emphasizing the need for safe and reliable options for all students, regardless of their proximity to school. Vander Ploem called for actionable solutions to address these pressing concerns, stressing that the safety of children should be a non-negotiable priority.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for policy changes that reflect the realities faced by families in the community, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of children commuting to school.