Problems with the school bus... and I blame the taxpayers for this one!

[Marbie]

Originally Posted by Pyrodjm If it was just two blocks why didn't the nanny just walk her to school?

This is exactly what I was thinking. Now to go back and read all of the responses...

Okay, I see, busy road. Sounds like a booster is a good solution.

[LittleThingsMama638]

I'm not sure where she's at in VA, but where I live you are not allowed to walk to school. Even if you live in the neighborhood next to the school, or across the street from it, you aren't allowed to walk. We have the same problem with bus drivers here. They can't afford to pay for more drivers and had to lay off a bunch.. But they are overly full. As it is the bus drivers are not allowed to take time off because they have 1 or 2 subs that can only work part time. If they take time off there's no one to cover their route. And this is in a very wealthy area.

[CASMama711]

Originally Posted by LittleThingsMama638 I'm not sure where she's at in VA, but where I live you are not allowed to walk to school. Even if you live in the neighborhood next to the school, or across the street from it, you aren't allowed to walk. We have the same problem with bus drivers here. They can't afford to pay for more drivers and had to lay off a bunch.. But they are overly full. As it is the bus drivers are not allowed to take time off because they have 1 or 2 subs that can only work part time. If they take time off there's no one to cover their route. And this is in a very wealthy area.

Are you my neighbor?

[luvsviola]

Originally Posted by Mom2Connor I would start carpooling the kids between your neighbor and nanny. Provide them with a high back booster for DD. have them alternate days.

Me too.

[keen1981]

Originally Posted by paper_girl_76 yes. I am wondering why there is a need for a bus for a two block trip? I would have walked or been walking already...

'block' is a relative term as we discovered in an abduction thread awhile back. For some, like me- it's two miles- others it was an 1/8 of a mile..

[bobbyjk]

I think the bigger picture is why on earth the school system is allowing a bus that full with kids sitting in the aisles to be OK for the kids to ride in?! That's crazy to me. First, I believe buses have capacities. Second, I assume this is reported to the school system? I mean, how can that be allowed?

[CASMama711]

Originally Posted by bobbyjk I think the bigger picture is why on earth the school system is allowing a bus that full with kids sitting in the aisles to be OK for the kids to ride in?! That's crazy to me. First, I believe buses have capacities. Second, I assume this is reported to the school system? I mean, how can that be allowed?

This is the biggest reason why it's not safe or acceptable, IMO. The behavior of the children already on the bus (hanging out of the windows and screaming) is also a safety concern. I have a call in to the transportation office and the person who answered my call and heard the description about what happened agreed with me that it was unacceptable. Now I'm waiting for the "lead driver" for her school to call me back.

[happysmileylady]

You said it was your opinion that it was the fault of the tax payers. It seems based on what else you wrote, that you are basing that opinion on a couple of newspaper articles. I suggest that if you really want to change things, you need facts, not just opinions, on exactly what you are trying to change. So I suggest going to the school board meetings and seeing about getting ahold of the actual budget. You may discover that the problem isn't income, but spending. It could be that some folks in the system do have overinflated salaries, it could be that they are overspending on equipment and not realizing it.

If it is a problem of people not wanting to pay higher taxes, maybe try running for the school board? Having a position on the board might make it easier to campaign for higher taxes.

[happysmileylady]

You said it was your opinion that it was the fault of the tax payers. It seems based on what else you wrote, that you are basing that opinion on a couple of newspaper articles. I suggest that if you really want to change things, you need facts, not just opinions, on exactly what you are trying to change. So I suggest going to the school board meetings and seeing about getting ahold of the actual budget. You may discover that the problem isn't income, but spending. It could be that some folks in the system do have overinflated salaries, it could be that they are overspending on equipment and not realizing it.

If it is a problem of people not wanting to pay higher taxes, maybe try running for the school board? Having a position on the board might make it easier to campaign for higher taxes.

[jam's mum]

Originally Posted by bobbyjk I think the bigger picture is why on earth the school system is allowing a bus that full with kids sitting in the aisles to be OK for the kids to ride in?! That's crazy to me. First, I believe buses have capacities. Second, I assume this is reported to the school system? I mean, how can that be allowed?

Right? If it's not safe for one kid, it's not safe for any kid.