During the recent MSAD52 Board of Directors meeting held on March 27, 2025, a pressing issue regarding childcare transportation was brought to the forefront by Tom Petrella, a resident of Turner. Petrella, accompanied by several families, highlighted the significant challenges they face in securing daycare for their children within the Turner School District.
Petrella shared his family's experience of relocating to Turner in 2022 and the difficulties they encountered in finding suitable daycare options. He noted that many local facilities have long waiting lists, with only two of the nine licensed childcare centers in Turner currently having openings. This shortage has created a logistical challenge for working parents who rely on transportation to get their children to daycare.
The families present at the meeting urged the board to consider extending bus routes to include daycares located just outside the Turner town line, specifically mentioning Bright Ideas in Lythmore, which is only half a mile away from the current bus route. They argued that such an extension would significantly alleviate the burden on working families who are struggling to balance their childcare needs with their professional responsibilities.
Petrella emphasized that the issue of childcare availability is not isolated to their daycare alone, suggesting that other families in similar situations could benefit from expanded transportation options. He called on the board and the transportation committee to adopt a policy that accommodates these needs, thereby supporting the community's working families.
The discussion underscored the broader implications of childcare shortages in Turner, as families expressed their urgent need for practical solutions. The board's response to this request could have lasting effects on the community, potentially influencing future policies related to transportation and childcare accessibility.
As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated a willingness to consider the information provided by the families. The outcome of this discussion remains to be seen, but it highlights a critical issue that resonates with many in the Turner community.