Parents bash NJ school district over proposal to eliminate courtesy busing so close to the start of school

DELANCO, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Angry parents gave school officials in Delanco, Burlington County an earful Wednesday night about a proposal to eliminate courtesy busing for some students.

Many parents were upset to learn through the school board’s agenda that there was a resolution for a vote to eliminate courtesy busing, specifically for elementary school students who live less than 2 miles from the Delanco Township School District’s Pearson Elementary.

“I’m angry. I’m upset. It’s not safe,” said Alicia Bain, a mother of a 6-year-old. “It takes 22 minutes to walk from my home to here. There is a close to a half a mile … [without] sidewalks.”

Bain and others directed questions at interim Superintendent Leonard Fitts.

“What would you do in our position?” Bain asked.

“I’d be very concerned, just as you are,” Fitts replied.

About three weeks ago, Fitts said school officials discovered that the contractor used for busing students in their district — including high schoolers — would not renew their service. He said the district has been searching to hire a bus driver ever since, a problem many other districts have faced.

Parents said in the past, one bus took high schoolers to school first, then turned around and brought the younger kids to their school.

It’s unclear exactly how many students this change would impact.

“If they cancel the buses, we’ll have to find another way,” said parent Yamilec Branch. “Somebody is going to be late — my kid is going to be late, I’m going to be late, my husband is going to be late. Something’s got to give.”

Others shared frustration over a lack of communication this close to the start of the new school year. After parents voiced their concerns, the school board decided to table the discussion for now.

The superintendent emphasized the district is actively trying to hire a bus driver.

“It’s not the money. It’s not a reason to make a change. It’s because we do not and we have not been able to get contract services to provide the service,” Fitts stressed. “We are trying. I need your help. If you know of any person who might be in possession of an endorsed bus driver’s license, have them get in touch with us.”