(August 26, 2008)--Misty Lowrey’s 11-year-old son used to ride the school bus to her parents' house after school in the Connally ISD each day, but now the bus drops him off at the end of the block, which Lowrey says forces him to walk near the home of a registered sex offender to reach her parents’ residence.
Until this year, the Connally Independent School District provided curbside drop-off for each of the approximately 1800 students who ride the bus, but this year the district started dropping students off at the end of the blocks in which they live.
Superintendent Keith Boles says the change was made to make bus routes more efficient.
Unlike many school districts, Boles says Connally chooses to offer transportation to almost all its students, because of the district’s close proximity to Interstate 35 and Highway 77.
Boles says the district has experienced bus overcrowding in the past, but said it was made worse this year by difficulty finding enough drivers.
In addition, the superintendent says rising gas prices are a factor.
He said the district has added $130,000 to its fuel budget this year because of higher costs at the pump.
The school district mailed out letters in late July to all of the estimated 2,500 students in the district to inform them of the bussing changes.
In addition, an informational booth was set up during student registration in early August to answer questions or concerns from parents.
The district says it has received calls from at least three parents who expressed concerns about the change.
Lowrey says she has been promised that her son will be dropped off at her parents' driveway from now on because of the specific safety concern.
Boles says safety is a top priority and encourages any parents to contact the transportation department of Connally ISD at 296-6460 with any concerns, promising to sit down and talk things out.
Area Districts Providing Home Drop-Off
Robinson ISD
Area Districts Using Bus Stops
Gatesville ISD
Copperas Cove ISD
Killeen ISD
Temple ISD
Waco ISD
Connally ISD
Connally ISD Web Site
Save
Email
Print
7 comments
Terms of Use -
Privacy Policy -
EEO Statement
-
FCC Form 388