Introduction to the Incident
A recent incident involving a 12-year-old Cy-Fair ISD middle school student, Jordin Brooks, who was hit by a truck while riding her bicycle to school, has prompted the district to reevaluate its transportation policy. The accident occurred over a week ago and has since raised concerns about the safety of students who commute to school without the benefit of bus transportation.
Changes to Transportation Policy
In response to the incident and growing concerns, Cy-Fair ISD has announced changes to its transportation policy aimed at enhancing student safety. Starting next Monday, the district will expand its bus pickup radius for middle school students who live in areas without safe walking paths to school. This move is designed to ensure that more students have access to safe transportation to and from school.
Details of the Policy Change
The district’s Assistant Superintendent, Leslie Francis, clarified that the eligibility for transportation services remains at one or more miles for elementary students and two or more miles for secondary students. However, beginning next week, the district will extend eligibility to middle school students who live within two miles of their school but must walk along heavily traveled thoroughfares without safe walking paths. This adjustment is part of the proposed 2024-2025 Transportation Plan.
Reasons Behind the Policy Change
The decision to change the policy was influenced by community concerns about areas that were previously ineligible for transportation services. Additionally, the district has been working to address a shortage of bus drivers, which has impacted its ability to provide comprehensive transportation services. Recent increases in bus driver pay rates have led to more applications and new hires, enabling the district to offer additional services to middle school students.
Notification Process
Parents and students affected by the changes will be notified via SchoolMessenger, an communication system used by the district to keep families informed about important updates and changes.
Conclusion
The changes to Cy-Fair ISD’s transportation policy are a positive step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its students. By expanding bus services to include more middle school students who face hazardous walking conditions, the district demonstrates its commitment to providing a safe environment for all students to learn and thrive. As the district continues to evolve its policies and services, it is clear that the safety and concerns of the community are being taken seriously.
