'Very Unfair': Parents Speak Out Against Stratford Busing System

STRATFORD, CT — Stratford parents who attended Monday's packed school board meeting had one thing on their minds: busing. One after another, residents took to the microphone, expressing frustration, anger and fear about a transportation plan many said was unsafe and unfair.

The comments came as the school district completes its transition from equity busing to a transportation plan designed around students attending their neighborhood schools, Superintendent Janet Robinson said. The Board of Education voted more than a year ago to return to a neighborhood schools system and saved about $500,000 by cutting the number of buses in the process.

The first year of the new setup was transitional, Robinson said, and it wasn't until the current school year that the neighborhood busing system was fully implemented. The district policy dictates that high school and middle school students who live less than 2 miles and elementary students who live less than 1.5 miles from their neighborhood schools will not be provided busing, according to Robinson. The policy that stipulates the distance requirements for neighborhood busing was passed in 2005, she said.

"It's very unfair for the transportation to be cut for these kids," said Denisha Stanley, who discussed children walking to school in the dark and on roads without sidewalks.

At one point, Stanley referenced her son being held up at gunpoint, and board Chair Eric Lazaro interrupted, requesting she submit the police report from the incident to the board.

"I'm being hushed now about it," Stanley said, before those in the crowd urged her to continue speaking.

Stanley also said parents were not contacted about the change in transportation. Robinson said bus schedules were posted on the district website, as they are every year.

Terilynn Littleberry told the board she moved from Bridgeport to Stratford with high hopes and standards for the school district, but now sees children speed-walking to get to school.

"Why can't you bus my kids to school? What's the problem?" she asked.

Linda Fernandes predicted high absenteeism among students required to walk.

"You are setting them up to fail," she said.

Janine Graswald expressed concern that children would be exhausted by the time they got to school.

"If Milford can bus their kids and Shelton can bus their kids ... then what is wrong with this town?" she asked. "... And I will go to the mayor next."

Danielle Smith said her concerns about busing were ignored by district officials, naming the superintendent and a member of her staff, which prompted Lazaro to interject and caution Smith against personal attacks.

One member of the public defended the district.

"This board is not responsible for the safety of our children when they're not on school property," said Lorenzo Elder, noting the absence of sidewalks, presence of criminals and potential for falling tree branches do not fall under the purview of the board.

Another issue parents commented on was the possibility of inequity between the amount of buses provided to Bunnell and Stratford high schools and the north and south sides of town, respectively. Robinson said residential property is more spread out on the north side of Stratford, which increases the likelihood that a north side student would live outside walking distance. She said she did not know the number of buses available to Bunnell students vs. Stratford High students.

"I certainly am going to find out," she said.

After the public forum portion of the meeting, some board members responded.

"We hear your concerns. We will look at your concerns," Lazaro said.

Board member Karen Rodia thanked the parents for speaking but also said that if they are going to discuss specifics, they should bring data to back up their statements. She also said school programs take precedence over busing.

"Obviously we're going to look at it and discuss it," she said.