During a recent Prosper Independent School District (ISD) board meeting, community members raised urgent concerns regarding student safety at a newly relocated bus stop. Parents highlighted the dangers associated with the current stop for bus 170 D, situated at the intersection of Hidden Lake and First Street, where the speed limit is 45 mph but vehicles often exceed 55 mph. One parent, who provided video evidence, reported witnessing seven cars run the bus's extended stop sign within the first nine days of school, raising fears of a potential accident.
Despite attempts to engage with district officials, including the transportation department and the Prosper ISD police, parents expressed frustration over a lack of response and action. They urged the board to revert the bus stop to its previous location within the neighborhood, emphasizing that the current placement poses significant risks to students and pedestrians.
Another resident, Alan Roundtree, echoed these concerns, criticizing the district's new policy that relocated bus stops to accommodate larger buses. He questioned the lack of community engagement in the decision-making process and called for proactive communication from the district to address safety issues.
Additionally, Shameika Houghton, a parent of a special education student, voiced her discontent with the district's allocation of resources, stating that her daughter has been denied educational services for an entire year. Houghton urged the board to prioritize special education needs and provide services at local campuses rather than forcing students to travel to centralized programs.
The meeting underscored a growing demand for immediate action from the Prosper ISD board to ensure the safety and well-being of students, particularly in light of recent policy changes and ongoing concerns about special education services.