Officials Vote To Amend School Bus Policy

During an emotional school committee meeting this week, several Lynnfield parents voiced their concerns to school officials regarding busing policy changes for the 2011-2012 school year.

The school committee voted 4-1 in favor of amending the town busing policy.  The new policy will be more in line with guidelines followed by the state.  The committee also voted 4-1 in favor of a $300 per student busing fee, for students who are not eligible for free busing service.  The only opposing vote on both items came from Michael Craffey.

Currently the Lynnfield school district employs approximately 200 teachers.  However, if not enough revenue is generated for next fiscal year, the district would be forced to lay off at least 29 teachers.  “You will see a very different school system if we have to eliminate 29 teachers,” Hassett maintained.

Parents Express Their Concerns

Seven Lynnfield school parents expressed concern about busing routes and fees, carpooling, school resources, and pick-up/drop off traffic in school parking lots.

Pamela Buck, who has three children in Lynnfield schools, feels that the busing fee is too expensive. “I am in favor of a fee.  I think that $300 per child is a bit steep,” Buck told the committee.

Committee member James Fagan outlined his reasoning for the committee to proceed with voting on the busing policy.  “We by far are asking the town as a group for more of an increase than any other department by a lot,” Fagan noted.  “I believe that it is critical to show the Town Administrator, the Selectmen, and the voters and the taxpayers of Lynnfield that we’ve got skin in the game,” he added.  

Carpooling Could Be One Option

Fagan also suggested the option for parents to try carpooling to help curb potential busing fees.  Earlier Tuesday morning before the committee meeting, he investigated the traffic situation at Huckleberry Hill Elementary School.

Fagan said that of the 101 cars that he saw with children, 82 cars had only one child.  “My whole point was it’s something to think about.  It’s an option and perhaps it could alleviate some traffic,” Fagan concluded.

Buck agreed that Fagan’s carpooling idea does have merit; however, she believes that it might not be feasible on a daily basis. 

Safety One Important Factor Under Consideration

Lauren West expressed concern about the safety of children who live in the vicinity of the Route 1 and Salem Street intersection.  West explained that children trying to cross would be placed in danger because of the heavy morning traffic on Route 1.  According to West, 25,000 cars pass through the Route 1/Salem Street intersection daily.  Additionally, 1 in 7 accidents that occur in Lynnfield happen at this particular intersection.

Laurie McCormick, who also has three children attending Lynnfield schools, asked the committee to hold off on voting on the busing policy until after the April 25 Town Meeting.

“There are some people in town who absolutely have to have the bus, for safety reasons,” said McCormick.  “This should be done after health insurance.  This should be done after the GIC,” McCormick implored.

At a prior committee meeting, Superintendent Hassett announced several colleges and universities where LHS seniors had been accepted.  Hassett was pleased to announce additional universities where seniors had been admitted.  These schools included Bates, Harvard, University of Colorado, and University of Kansas.  

Also during Tuesday’s meeting school administrators from the high school, middle school, elementary, and preschool presented updates for student handbooks for next year.