Response To BOE's Response To Stratford's Unequal Busing Problem

Response to Stratford’s transportation issue response

9/30/19

Dear Chairman Lazaro, Dr. Robinson, and Board Members:

The concerned parents and community thank you for your response that was issued to the Stratford Community regarding the transportation concerns and issues voiced at the BOE meeting on 9/23/2019. Please let it be noted that you were made aware of these parents concerns as well as through calls, emails and personal contact made to the staff at Stratford High, BOE and the Transportation Department since the first day of school 8/29/2019.

You stated that you stand for the “academic, social, emotional and the safe wellbeing of all students” that attend your schools but it has to be said that equality for all is not only a right but it is what must be enforced and adhered to by all personnel on every level.

There should have been no way that the Transportation Department could have been allowed to transport children from one side of town to be bused to school at a half mile while children on the other side of town are walking two miles. You implemented “the plan” to some students and not to others. To the day no one has taken responsibility for this action.

We are very hopeful that as you communicate with the Durham Bus Service and the SPS as indicated in your public response, it will be determined what person/persons are responsible for allowing such an impartial decision to provide unequal services to students and that this information will be forthcoming to the public as well.

While we plan to continue to be civil in every way, we will not be silent. This level of inequality, lack of initial response/respect to families and the community is not acceptable and will not be ignored.

Sincerely,

Some Very Concerned Parents and Students of Stratford