Reactions from parents to the new transportation system concept for Roanoke City Public Schools

Roanoke, Virginia – For the upcoming academic year, Roanoke City Public Schools is seeking input on its suggested transportation solutions.

Over the previous two years, 850–1,000 children were tardy every day because of bus transportation, according to Roanoke City Public Schools.

They are currently seeking input on the new transportation system from Zum, their new bus supplier.

“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.

According to the suggestions, drivers using these routes are unable to serve schools on later trips.
One parent did, however, comment that the plan seemed unfair.

“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 attends Fishburn Elementary School with his daughter.

She needs to find a different method for her kids to get to school because they don’t live in the attendance zone.

“She’s absolutely thriving there. She loves it, she would be devastated if we ended up having to go a different route,” emphasized Donner.

When it comes to transportation recommendations, out of over 3,500 respondents, 57.9% strongly agree or agree that pupils should only be driven to daycare/afterschool programs located within the boundaries of their home schools.

Donner expresses concern about the program’s future, given that transportation may no longer be an option.