ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Roanoke City Public Schools is asking for feedback on proposed transportation recommendations for next school year.
According to Roanoke City Public Schools, 850 to 1,000 students were late daily over the past two years due to bus transportation.
With their new bus provider, Zum, they are now asking for feedback on the new transportation system.
“We want to discontinue STEAM transportation and make that a parent or guardian responsibility for students that are out of the attendance zone for Fishburn Park,” said Chief Operations Officer Chris Perkins.
The recommendations say these routes delay drivers from serving schools on later routes.
However, one parent said the proposal seems inequitable.
“It causes me great concern, because like, I work days, and my husband works the night shift. So it will be a big stressor for our family to figure out how to get the transportation worked out for my daughter,” said RCPS parent April Donner.
Donner has a daughter at Fishburn Elementary School.
Since they live outside the attendance zone, she has to find another way for her daughter to get to school.
“She’s absolutely thriving there. She loves it, she would be devastated if we ended up having to go a different route,” emphasized Donner.
Out of over 3,500 people who were surveyed for transportation suggestions, 57.9% strongly agree or agree that students should only be transported to daycare/afterschool programs within their home school attendance zones.
Donner says worried about the fate of the program now that transportation is potentially off the table.
Click here for a full list of the recommendations and where you can provide feedback.
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