Parents Hold the Key

Some may be able to help solve the transportation problem when students safely return to school.

So many voices are being heard about schools safely reopening. Opinions are mixed. Many people want schools to open their doors safely. Others believe that using a blended or hybrid learning approach by providing part of the education in a traditional brick and mortar school and the other part at home through distance learning is the option. Some want to retain their virtual learning programs.

But, that’s not what this article is about.

Schools and school districts that have the resources to follow safety protocols are now faced with a transportation dilemma. They need to make sure that students and the bus drivers remain safe on their school bus on their trip to and from school. Debates regarding this issue alone are beginning to rage.

I Have A Solution

Family dynamics are extremely diverse these days.

Not all parents work outside of the home. More parents have flexibility in their daily schedules because they may work from home. There are parents who work during the evening hours while others only work on the weekend. Some parents don’t even work. Family circumstances just vary today

To me, this information makes the transportation challenge an easy fix.

I believe that school districts should invite parents who are willing and able to do so to transport their own children. Parents who drive their children to school may also be invited to transport a few students who live within their neighborhood as long as they are able to do safely. Additionally, the parents of these guest riders must be willing to do so.

There’s more to my suggestion. Perhaps some community members could volunteer to help as well. I am sure some retired taxpayers and safe drivers would be willing to help.

In return, schools could provide parent and community drivers with an incentive for the assistance they provide. To me, a mileage reimbursement would be sufficient.

Perhaps a set daily or weekly stipend would suffice. Maybe other creative incentives could be considered. What about offering some type of tax credit to drivers?

Despite the fact that there may be some legalities that may be resolved, like securing clearances for drivers who would transport children other than their own using this alternative and temporary transportation, I really think it’s worth considering.

I simply offer this family and community engagement suggestion as a way to fix a temporary problem. For as long as there are concerns about social distancing and wearing face masks along with other safety guidelines, this could potentially solve the student transportation problem that schools are dealing with right now.

Keeping students safe is what’s important, no matter how they travel to and from school.

Here’s my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.

Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher, School Principal, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Assistant to the Superintendent for Family and Community Engagement, and Professor of Multicultural Education. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ.