Bus routes, start times are administrative problems
We have to wonder what is going on at Cape Henlopen School District when its board can’t even decide what time schools should start.
For the past two meetings, the board discussed changing starting times for schools so more buses could make two runs, as required by state guidelines. If start times are not coordinated and sufficiently spaced, the district’s transportation supervisor says he can’t organize routes so one bus can deliver students to two different schools.
After two discussions, the board still hasn’t decided how to solve the problem. Meanwhile, it came to light that in Milton, where the elementary day begins at 7:30 a.m., some children are walking to school in the dark on icy, winter mornings.
There are many ways to solve the busing problem, but the answer should not be that Milton’s youngest children walk to school in the dark. Whatever time schools start, that issue must be reconsidered.
It’s hard to believe that only six of Cape’s 58 buses currently make two daily runs. It would seem there is plenty of room to improve efficiency and institute more, shorter bus routes.
It’s also hard to believe the board has been asked to resolve the start-time issue. Bus routes and the exact start times are a technical matter that should be tackled by district administrators, who must come up with a plan that meets state requirements while getting children to schools efficiently and on time. Once a sensible plan is developed, it should be presented to the board, which will then ensure it’s the best plan possible.
Any change in start times is challenging for parents, especially those who work and have to rearrange their schedules. Even so, district officials can reduce anxiety by offering a reasonable plan so the board can make a decision and then ensure services are in place to assist parents and provide for children before and after the school day.
The bottom line is that more bus runs also means shorter bus runs; less time on school buses should be good news for all of the district’s children. It’s time for a change.
