LAST WEEK: Busing decision angers daycare providers
In a meeting with more than two dozen daycare providers Tuesday, DPS officials announced the switch, saying there will be bus stops directly in front of roughly two-thirds of the 45 centers, and there will be stops within walking distance of the other third.
“We heard you very clearly the other night,” Superintendent Rhonda Corr said. “We heard your concerns and heard your passion and compassion for our kids and for their parents who have to work.”
ORIGINAL PLAN: DPS considers major busing changes
Corr said DPS worked with its transportation department to adjust some bus routes and stops to make this system work. She said the district couldn’t put a stop in front of every center, but wanted to meet its partners halfway.
Several daycare providers raised questions about liability for students dropped off a block or two away from their center. Corr urged those daycare providers to have a staffer meet the bus and walk the students to the center.
RELATED: DPS drops RTA plan for middle schoolers
Associate Superintendent Shelia Burton said if a preschool or kindergarten student is being dropped off and there is not an adult there to meet the children, they would be brought back to district offices, as they have been in past years.
Burton said DPS is committed to this plan for the entire 2017-18 school year, then will revisit the idea next summer. The daycare providers were generally in favor of DPS’ new plan.
LAST YEAR: Dayton schools’ busing woes continue
“I would like to thank you,” said Neal Holtvogt, owner of Bluebook Schools childcare. “You did listen, and I think it’s a fabulous plan … your decision was a good decision for children.”
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