Wednesday, August 27, 2003

In response to the "Bus route fiasco" column, I agree. When I called [school system Transportation Director] Pam Holt and asked how these changes came about, she stated, "At the school board meeting." I further asked why the parents were not notified of the need to make the budget cut in transportation. She states, "Read the paper, the information was there."

I did not read your article three months ago, but I would think if the policymakers truly wanted a parent's input they could have placed an addendum to the students' lunch calendars which comes out weekly simply stating, "We are making changes in bus route services. Please attend a meeting (date and time) to assist in these changes to consolidate services but keep our students safe," or they could have communicated to the P.T.O. the need for transportation budget review so they could inform the parents. That would have drawn my attention, instead of "budget adoption."

Furthermore, how is it that bus drivers, mayors, police officers and other public officials were blind-sided about these changes?

A further note: I would like to thank board member Janet Smola. She had several conversations with me to explain the board's role in the policy decision and how all these changes came about. She informed me how to go through the proper channels to voice our concerns about our bus stop safety issues. These conversations would not be necessary if the policy was investigated for truly safe and efficient transportation of our students.

The problem with most issues in life is good communication. This is why I choose to elect public officials who will be concerned how these policies will change my life. I would like to believe the county hires those who would thoroughly assess their plan before heading to the board for approval.

Marie Ledford

Tyrone, Ga.