Parents Demand Action as Bus Crisis Disrupts Education
September 06, 2024 | North Hills SD, School Districts, Pennsylvania
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Parents from the Swanacres neighborhood voiced their frustrations at a recent school board meeting regarding ongoing issues with the local bus service, ABC Transit. Multiple speakers highlighted the significant impact of a bus driver shortage on their children's education and well-being.
One parent, Jody, detailed the challenges faced by her eighth-grade son, who has been forced to leave school early each day due to a lack of available drivers. She emphasized that 150 students are affected, missing out on crucial instructional time during homeroom, which is vital for academic support and social development. Jody urged the board to prioritize finding bus drivers and reconsider renewing the contract with ABC Transit, citing the unacceptable situation as detrimental to students' education.
Another parent, Liz, echoed these concerns, noting that her children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are not receiving necessary services due to the early dismissal. She calculated that the loss of instructional time amounts to nearly 60 hours over the school year, which she described as robbing her children of essential educational support.
Other parents shared similar experiences, with complaints about long wait times and inconsistent communication from the bus company. Kevin, a parent of children attending Catholic school, expressed frustration over the unpredictability of bus schedules, which often left his children waiting for over an hour after school. Claire, another parent, reported that her son, who lives just three minutes from school, now faces extended bus rides that disrupt after-school activities.
Concerns were also raised about the safety and behavior on the buses. Erin, a parent of a child with special needs, described distressing experiences her son faced on the bus, including exposure to inappropriate behavior from older students. She criticized the lack of effective management from the school district and called for immediate action to ensure safe and reliable transportation for all students.
The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability from the school board and ABC Transit, as parents called for improvements to the bus service to ensure their children receive the education and support they deserve.
One parent, Jody, detailed the challenges faced by her eighth-grade son, who has been forced to leave school early each day due to a lack of available drivers. She emphasized that 150 students are affected, missing out on crucial instructional time during homeroom, which is vital for academic support and social development. Jody urged the board to prioritize finding bus drivers and reconsider renewing the contract with ABC Transit, citing the unacceptable situation as detrimental to students' education.
Another parent, Liz, echoed these concerns, noting that her children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are not receiving necessary services due to the early dismissal. She calculated that the loss of instructional time amounts to nearly 60 hours over the school year, which she described as robbing her children of essential educational support.
Other parents shared similar experiences, with complaints about long wait times and inconsistent communication from the bus company. Kevin, a parent of children attending Catholic school, expressed frustration over the unpredictability of bus schedules, which often left his children waiting for over an hour after school. Claire, another parent, reported that her son, who lives just three minutes from school, now faces extended bus rides that disrupt after-school activities.
Concerns were also raised about the safety and behavior on the buses. Erin, a parent of a child with special needs, described distressing experiences her son faced on the bus, including exposure to inappropriate behavior from older students. She criticized the lack of effective management from the school district and called for immediate action to ensure safe and reliable transportation for all students.
The meeting underscored a growing demand for accountability from the school board and ABC Transit, as parents called for improvements to the bus service to ensure their children receive the education and support they deserve.
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