In their attempt to trim the annual budget, the Transportation Department of Northshore School District has implemented a new program of “central bus stops.” Rather than the bus driving through the neighborhood to pick up our children, our children are asked to meet the bus at a central stop. I suppose it is a twist on the “park and ride” system?

For our community, our elementary and junior high students are being asked to walk up to three-quarters of a mile to gather at one of two central stops: either on Avondale Road or Mink Road.

After many phone calls, writing of letters, and meeting with district personnel, we continue to be told that Avondale and Mink roads are safe stops for our children. Am I missing something? These two roads are notoriously dangerous roads. You can’t tell me that it is safe to have 20 students (sometimes more) gather and wait on either Avondale or Mink roads. It is just a matter of time before tragedy strikes!

Since the district has turned a deaf ear, I am appealing to the public. Please watch out for our children. In your morning and afternoon commutes, please be extra diligent in your driving. In a fraction of a second, a small mistake can cause heartbreaking devastation. You and I know this, why doesn’t Northshore School District?