Angel Watters has created this petition to try to change the Cambridge-Isanti School District Bussing Policy. Please read and if you would like to sign the petition or help collect signatures contact Angel at amariewatters@msn.com . Your help in correcting this terrible decision is greatly appreciated.
To: District #911 School Board
Cc: Superintendent; Bruce Novak
The people of Isanti request that the following bus policies be changed as soon as possible.
1) The policy of bussing every child to the new school east of highway 65 must stop.
The current school district bussing policy forces children that live west of highway 65 and go to school west of 65 to transfer buses twice a day at the new school east of 65.
Putting our children in danger 4 times a day crossing a busy and dangerous highway is the definition of negligent. Highway 65 has been referred to as one of the deadliest Highways in the state!
2) High school students and elementary students need to be on separate busses.
It is unsafe to have young children on busses with older children. Physical and sexual assault on busses is rapidly increasing.
There are 85 to 90 students on each bus. How can our bus drivers watch everyone and keep the young kids safe?
About Me
- George
- I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.
6 comments:
I agree that the bussing system needs to change. It takes my son an hour to get home after two transfers. We live in the town of Isanti. I can't imagine how long it takes the kids outside of city limits to get home.
Although I agree with the fact that it is dangerous for our kids to be crossing over 65, I have to assume that there was a lot of thought put into how to transfer our children. The old system at the middle school was just as scarey. If you would like our children to be seperated in different busses for each school then you need to start a petition for higher taxes!
My understanding is that a lot of tax money is being wasted busing kids back and forth 4 times a day when there is no need. I am hoping this is a work in progress and will be improved upon.
This is not my petition but I do support it. After becoming aware of this issue I called the superintendant and several school board members and yet have not had a returned call.
Many districts have staggered hours to accomplish older kids not riding with younger kids. This actually cuts down on the number of buses you need to have. It is also I believe the recommended pratice from the state.
I hear the "boggy man" of higher taxes anytime someone suggest a change in a policy or practice. I would hope their was great thought put into the plan but I have not recieved a single call back explaining this.
The only concern that I have with the bussing is there are NO shuttle busses leaving or going to the Isanti Primary School. I live on Hillock Ct. (backside of playground of Isanti Primary) and there are 7 children that attend the Isanti Intermediate School and have to walk and cross Co. Rd. 5 to the Isanti Middle School to catch a shuttle bus. By choosing Isanti Middle School for all shuttle bus pick and drop off was not a well thought out plan. Depending on where you live and how close you live to Hwy. 65, it would be closer to walk to the new Intermediate School than to walk to Isanti Middle School.
Mike Koller
503 Hillock Ct.
Isanti, MN
Safely transportating students is one of the highest priorities at ISD 911. Did you know that ISD 911 transports students over a 250 square mile area? Balancing efficient and cost effective transportation is a constant never ending challenge. Ultimately the planning and design of the two schools opened this year included a comprehensive transportation plan that utilizes each of the new schools as a transfer hub. This plan has been being tested since the beginning of this school year and is continually be monitored to determine if any changes would imporve the plans effectiveness. I am not aware of any state recommended transportation plan or practice referenced in your posting. Although it is true that staggered start times could reduce the number of buses required, it is my understanding that the actual net cost of transportation would most likely increase.
I question your understanding that "a lot of tax money is being wasted busing kids back and forth 4 times a day when there is no need". What data/information did you base this conclusion on? District 911 has an excellent track record of being fiscally responsible and is a good steward of tax payers money.
Since I am not one of the Board members you reference trying to contact for information I took time to contact each Board member and the Superintendent. I have been unable to determine who it was you tried to contact for comments and/or answers to your questions. My hope is that I have answered some of your questions.
I don't see or hear a "Boogey Man" when someone suggests a change in policy or practice (resulting in higher taxes or otherwise). In fact I prefer good old fashioned honest conversation (even if we agree to disagree) since I believe it is each persons responsibility to question everything or simply accept what others decide.
In closing, the transportation challenges facing District 911 should be thoughtfully questioned and challenged; everything can be improved. Every decision made by the School Board will have an impact and will ultimately involve making choices about where ISD 911 priorities are or should be.
Respectfully,
Dan Fosse
District 911 School Board Member
Mr Fosse,
When this was brought to my attention I called your house twice last week. I also left messages for Mr. Novak and Mr Nelson. I am unclear who you are asking called whom but those were my attempts.
Mr Nelson did call me back but was unable to answer any of my questions. No one else including you sir called me back...I was told that you talked to the petition writer and she was unable to get answers to her questions.
The questions I have include the following:
What was looked at and what are the numbers that justify busing back and forth across 65 4 times a day for students that do not live or go to school to the East. This should not be a difficult request to fullfill.
I am looking for the dialogue you desire as well. I have spoken with you on matters in the past and have found you to be reasonable...this is why I tried cantacting you.
I am not the petition writer but I always support full public communication.
As I am unable to get a call back when leaving you messages perhaps you could give me a call or e-mail.
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