Parents demand CFISD restore bus service after 14 children struck by vehicles this year

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) is facing urgent calls to restore bus services for students following alarming reports of children being struck by vehicles. During a recent board meeting, a concerned parent presented data indicating that 14 children under the age of 18 have been involved in vehicle incidents this school year, with nine of those cases attributed to drivers failing to yield to pedestrians.

The parent highlighted that the district does not currently track such incidents, prompting them to gather information independently from various sources, including news reports and the Texas Department of Transportation. The breakdown of incidents revealed that eight involved middle school students, two were elementary-aged, and four were high school students.

Despite the ongoing bus driver shortage, which currently stands at 56 vacancies, the parent argued that the district has previously managed to provide transportation services even with higher shortfalls. They questioned whether the shortage is being used as an excuse to limit services, emphasizing that children's safety should not be compromised due to budgetary constraints.

The call for action is clear: parents and community members are urging CFISD to prioritize student safety by restoring bus services immediately to prevent further accidents. The district's response to these concerns will be crucial in addressing both the transportation needs of students and the safety of the community.