Dexter Community Schools working to resolve problems with new bus routes

Posted on Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 9:25 a.m.

Dexter Community Schools working to resolve problems with new bus routes

By Lisa Carolin

Two weeks after the start of school, Dexter Community Schools officials are working to resolve problems in the new transportation plan, including crowded buses and long rides for students.

At Monday night's school board meeting, the board heard complaints from several parents, and Sean Burton, Dexter's transportation director, said a lot of rerouting is still being done.

"It takes the month of September to get things worked out," he said. "We're also setting up meetings with parents to talk about hub bus stops that would allow bus pickups to be later. I apologize to parents that it's taking this long."

Dexter parents have complained about crowding on school buses and long bus rides.

File photo

School board member Kim Covert, who lives in the Village of Dexter said her children are on the bus too long.

"We live five minutes from the schools but the buses pick our kids up to one hour before school starts," she said, adding that the closest bus stop is three blocks from her house.

She also said she has received many complaints from neighbors.

Parent Laura Kelly asked Burton and the board to reduce the crowded conditions that are causing children on her child's bus to sit four to a seat.

Burton said that he hopes to solve the overcrowding issue on some of the buses by later this week.

Another parent complained to the board about the inclement weather notification system, which changes the way buses are routed.

"Many people don't check their e-mail during the day and don't receive the notification," he said, suggesting that the district use the automated phone system.

Interim Superintendent Mary Marshall told the board that a parent forum on transportation is tentatively scheduled for November.

The district hopes to save $400,000-$500,000 a year with the new changes to the busing system that include having students in kindergarten through 12th grade ride the buses together, and dropping students off at a central hub instead of at the individual school buildings.

Comments

Moms Kitchen

Thu, Oct 7, 2010 : 6:57 p.m.

@Mark....be the change you want to see in the world! The SR2S initiative in Dexter needs people that live in the village to make it work. You should volunteer....you can already see where change needs to happen to make Dexter more walk friendly.

Mark

Wed, Oct 6, 2010 : 4:55 p.m.

Mom's kitchen, that's great. I saw it late--today was walk your kids to school day in michigan. Did anyone realize that? If all the kids were walking and it was well advertised, and they put crossing guards and those green pedestrian stop signs out, I think that would be a fun thing to do. An activity to show what things could/should be like. Sort of a positive protest at the lack of support for walkers. But unless there is more support, I stand by busing or driving.

Moms Kitchen

Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 9:46 a.m.

@Mark - since you are new to Dexter, you might not know that there is a group called Safe Routes to School, which is a federal program that. Dexter is a part of it, and it's all about implementing ideas to make the walk to school safer. There If you are interested, you should contact Mary Marshall. http://saferoutesmichigan.org/ You can really make a difference getting involved with this program. I highly recommend it. Hope this helps!

Mark

Thu, Sep 30, 2010 : 10:15 p.m.

Dextermom I just actually read what you wrote earlier. Did you just tell parents to become crossing guards themselves and pick up lunch money. What does that even mean? You want citizens with no insurance or authority to start stopping traffic for other people's kids (and take their lunch money?)? Have you considered the liability of that? I'm pretty sure I don't see you out there pitching in. You're a teacher? At our schools? You seem angry at parents and dismissive of the needs of children. And not really in tune with what is age appropriate. Why are you so mad at parents for wanting crossing guards? It's not unreasonable. Other school districts do it. And if you would please tell me which nearby school district eliminated busing to stick it to the parents for complaining. And then re-instituted it when the parents were nicer. I find that hard to believe. Certainly if busing was stopped it must have been for a better reason than to show complaining parents up. That may have been the result, but I can't believe that was the reason. It sounds like your kids are out of school. So why do you care so much whether we drive or walk? Are you on the board of education? Aren't we allowed to want safer walking routes? And later buses? And the kindergartners in the front of the bus?

Mark

Thu, Sep 30, 2010 : 9:52 p.m.

There were still those old houses on both sides of the road. I don't believe the speed limit was 55 mph through town. Mom's kitchen, are you saying it's okay to cross that road now? I'm not sure what you mean by emphasizing "teenager" and "country road." What difference does that make? Doesn't it make things worse now that we are talking younger kids and endless cars? Things ARE different now. They're worse. Rpb's exactly right. Most drivers don't stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It's the same all over Michigan. There is a crossing guard at Mill Creek and drivers have come to expect to see groups of kids crossing there. For Inverness to be safe, you would need a light (to force drivers to stop), a crossing guard to officially alert drivers that kids are crossing, and a sufficient volume of children that drivers would just know it was a time and place to slow down. The volume and speed of cars through the downtown area is prohibitive to pedestrians. And Baker is worse because the speed limit is higher to begin with. Rpb has taken all the reasonable precautions, and still knows to be on the alert at all times. I repeat: show me the parent who sends a k-6 grade child across Dan Hoey Rd, Baker Rd, or Ann Arbor Rd (without accompanying them) where there's not a crossing guard or a stop light and I'll show you an idiot. I was walking with a stroller across Ann Arbor road at a light with a walk signal, and a car full of teenagers zoomed in front of me--cutting across the crosswalk--and just glanced over at me in passing. I know it was a teenage driver, because I recognized him from my neighborhood. Did I mention I was pushing a stroller? That's all it takes, people. One ignorant or aggressive driver of whatever age. It won't matter if you're in a crosswalk or at a light or looking both directions. If there's not a light, a crossing guard and a volume of walkers at a regularly expected time, don't risk it. Drive your kids or put them on the bus. (Or get orange vests and walk them yourself.) You know the district just got back $154 per student? That's around $500,000. Where's that money going to go?

Moms Kitchen

Wed, Sep 29, 2010 : 2:53 p.m.

It was sad when the young man got run over 15 years ago.For those that might not know the histroy the Wylie student that was killed was in middle school when this happened, not a 3rd of 4th grader. Wylie was the middle school back then. Dexter Ann Arbor Rd. was way different than it is now, too. There was no Huron Farms or Buschs or anything. It was all empty fields back then. Dex-A2 was a 2 lane country road - I think the speed limit might even have been 55 mph. My understanding is that there used to be a company that drove huge trucks right at that corner (it's not there anymore) and the truck driver didn't see the teenager crossing as he was making a right hand turn. Since then, there have been stop lights added on Dexter Ann Arbor Rd and the speed limits reduced. Also, there's a crossing guard at the middle school, too, at Huron Farms. Lots of changes have happened since then to make Dexter more walkable. And lots more to come, I hope!

rpb

Wed, Sep 29, 2010 : 8:36 a.m.

We're new to Dexter. We moved here over Ann Arbor because we thought it would be more walkable. I was surprised to find out at the start of the year that we were in a "No Walk" zone because we would have to cross Ann Arbor St to get to school. We walk anyway. It takes us 12 minutes to walk 3/4 mile. We leave our house a full half hour after the bus picks up next door, and get home 45 minutes before the school bus. BUT, and this is important, walking to school has not proven to be safe. There is no crossing guard at Ann Arbor St, even at Inverness which is a marked School Crossing. Cars do not stop for us to cross. I have spent $40 outfitting us with high visibility vests to try and make crossing Ann Arbor St safer, that and walking along our street which has no sidewalks. I've spoken directly to Mary Marshall and nothing has happened. Just today someone refused to stop while we were in the crosswalk (pedestrians have the right of way by law). We then have to cross another street that has no stop sign to cross traffic and no crossing guard. I'd like to see some of the money allegedly saved by this busing plan put into making walking to school a viable option. Once we do get to the school complex, we have no sidewalk to take us directly to her school. We have to cross a parking lot/bus drive and then walk through all of the kids waiting for their bus pick up/drop off. The only sidewalk has been completely roped off to walkers for use by buses/bus riders. It's just not a walking friendly/safe district at all. Currently, we are the only people that I know of who walk to elementary school from across Ann Arbor St. And even on the the safe side of the street very few kids walk. It's very disappointing, but even as committed as I am, the lack of safety measures implemented by the district make it an understandable decision. Until then please don't hit us.

everythingsrosy

Sat, Sep 25, 2010 : 1:42 p.m.

I know my child's bus ride is longer than ever, and he hates riding it. Can anyone comment on what good concerned citizens can do to impress upon those in charge that their plan is not working and we see it that way! The school board members and administrators made these changes to save money. Show me the money saved and you have my future support! I am confident that there is no money saved YET...Continue with this "successful" plan and everyone will be driving their children. MONEY SAVED.

A Dexter Person

Fri, Sep 24, 2010 : 9:59 p.m.

OH my gosh, either people have just plain forgotten, or we have a lot of new people in Dexter that don't know Dexter's history....I think it's both! Folks: Wylie student Robbie Ridenour was struck by a van and killed while crossing Dexter-A2 at Kensington on his way home from school. Look for the small reminder/memorial at the base of a tree on the north side of that intersection, (next to the driveway for Morning Star) and you'll see a little angel statue, maybe some flowers. This is why Village students are bused. There is too much traffic funneling through our little town and with drivers distracted with talking on cell phones, do you honestly think it's safe for little ones to cross the main streets??!! And to the comment about taxes, this community approved a huge millage over 2 years ago. A big chunk of change was supposed to go towards improving the Transportation Department on Marshall Road. Instead they've used the money for GPS units, consultants, studies, a flawed route plan, plans for moving the facility to the campus, (which is still on the table for 2010-11 by the way), more consultants & studies, and all the colorful flags and posts, etc. used at the hub. No improvements yet to the Marshall Rd. facility. I think we got duped with a bait and switch scam. No, I won't be approving any future millage proposals either. And I just might be looking at other candidates to vote for in the next school board election too.

BradP

Fri, Sep 24, 2010 : 10:12 a.m.

@Sandi Actually, it's Sean Burton's disapointing plan, too. correct me if I'm wrong, but I read that he's been consulting with them since back in the spring with Rob Glass. He helped develop the plan. He wasn't just brought in to put "their plan" into action. But, i agree he's doing the best he can to make it work. @scooter dog A five minute drive is not the same as a 5 minute walk. It takes 25 minutes to walk to school from my house and that's across two of the busiest streets in Dexter. It is obvious what we need to do: eitehr use the bus or drive them. the point is why does it take the bus an hour to make a 5 minute drive. Answer me that.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 8:59 p.m.

Assistant superintendent seems to be a position we can do without. That would save over 100K. When Mary vacated the position, it remained unfilled. They should leave it that way. That would pay for a couple of new buses a year--or several extra runs. Sure it's a lot of work for one person to do as the sole superintendent, but it's also the highest salary in the district by a long shot. It should be a lot of work. Otherwise what are we paying so much for? When the new candidates are interviewed, they should choose someone who won't require an assistant.

libertyforall

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.

There hasn't been a state budget cut in education as long as I remember. Under Proposal A in 1994, there was a huge increase! The foundation grant is over $7000 per student! Anyone claiming budget problems are just repeating the MEA mantra.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 1:44 p.m.

I have a great deal of respect for Sean Burton. Mary Marshall just smiles and says how great everything is, but he's working his tail off to actually make it happen. That guy deserves a round of applause. He's just trying to make thier disappointing plan work. And he can admit there are problems that still need fixing--hats off to the guy for his actual honesty. Parents appreciate that. You don't need to fix something that's a success. Success means you've achieved your goal and it's finished. Mary (marshall), I think we should all agree this is still a work in progress and keep looking at way to improve it. Thanks, Sean.

wowzer

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.

I have felt frustration with the transportation issue. Some parents complain and do nothing about it, while others who say something have been conditioned to believe that no one on the school board or in administration is listening anyway. The School Board nods and thanks, and throws your issues in the trash because they don't think you'll come back after you've stated your opinion. I wish more people would show up to the meetings. It is a pain to take time out, but it is for a good cause. I want parents to let them know that we are still here, and we care about our kids, even if they don't want to listen to what we say. Rob Glass instigated the new bussing. The current hierarchy in the school board just went along because, well... that's how they operate. Now, he's gone and everyone in Dexter is left holding the bag. Administration knew it would be difficult, but the plan was hastily pushed through anyway with not enough planning or time to implement it, and no one in administration listened to the parents who adamantly opposed single tier bussing. People are trying to make do, but it is kind of a disaster despite the best intentions. I applaud the bus staff for all that they have done to take care of the "hot mess" that was thrown in their laps by administration, and for all parents who did say something (even though it fell on deaf ears). Hopefully the situation will get resolved, but not if the school board and administration don't learn to open their ears to their constituents and listen.

dexmom

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.

I was able to address my concerns with Mr. Burton personally and I will say that he was very receptive to all the problems that we were experiencing. He was also willing to facilitate new seating arragnements for my kids to help with the language problems and seemed just as concerned with all the glitchs as most of us are. I still don't care for the new system, or how it was voted on, but that falls on the shoulders of the board members and superintendent. I guess before taxes are raised I'd like to see more cuts at the top. Stop cutting from the teachers and kids. And I still think the bus drivers got a pretty crappy deal in all of this. We really have dedicated drivers that truly care for these kids. What do you think will happen if contracted hourly workers come in? Do you really think they will remain invested in the care and safety of these kids? Sorry but I'm still in favor of cutting at the top and starting with Mary and Sharon's offices.

Mary

Thu, Sep 23, 2010 : 12:47 a.m.

If this system is working so well then how come my neighbors 5 year old was put on the wrong bus home. The child had her bus tag on with the correct bus number on it someone at the hub put her on the wrong bus, they lost her. I recieved a phone call regarding bus number change for my kids, two other parents at the bus stop didn't. The one tier bus system I can deal with its the central hub i don't get, how is that saving money? How is my daughter riding one bus from school to the hub and then another one from there home saving money?

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 11:06 p.m.

Not at five. My father walked with me the four or so blocks. With the dangerous people out there I don't believe I would intentionally place my child in that position. Maybe in another time or place but not here and not now.

Moms Kitchen

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 8:43 p.m.

I walked to school 3/4 per mile in all kinds of weather when I was 5 years old. Didn't you?

Pam Wilson

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 5:48 p.m.

I cannot believe that this new bus system was even put in place! You are asking 5 year olds to walk from one school to the other (as they are all dropped off at one school) by themselves, let alone during the winter? That you're making children wait outside all together? That the traffic in Dexter is now a nightmare because all buses are arriving at the same time and departing at the same time? What is wrong with this regime?

averagetaxpayer

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 2:33 p.m.

In the short term I see no great solution other than dealing with it. For the long term, folks should be pushing for construction of the Dexter-Pinkney/Parker Road by-pass. This would significantly reduce traffic throughout the village, making the entire town more pedestrian friendly.

Indicat

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 1:59 p.m.

Wow, just this afternoon more Bond Update meeting minutes were posted. They weren't there this morning when I checked.

Indicat

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 1:46 p.m.

Sorry Jimmy, I disagree with raising taxes. Until the district can learn to handle the budget they currently have and hold employees accountable, I will no longer vote yes on school millage and/or bond proposals. Case in point - the concession building at Al Ritt. Because a school official was not doing his/her job and staying on top of it, when the building was completed, it was an empty shell. No kitchen equipment, shelving, etc. The figure I heard to make it usable is $5,600. The new Community Ed/Athletic department had to contribute $5,000; a community member contributed $600. I've heard new locker rooms were completed with no lockers. Mill Creek tennis courts were completed without net poles or nets, thus the courts are unusable. All because some school official was not doing his/her job. I seriously doubt if this was the tax payers intentions when they approved the bond proposal. Go to the school's website and read the bond update meeting minutes. The last one posted is December 2, 2009. You can't tell me there haven't been meetings since then. I would like to know how my tax dollars are being spent.

Indicat

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 1:45 p.m.

jimmy

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.

I've got three Dexter kids being being bused each day, and I have to agree that the new system is bad - for many reasons. But I have a solution - RAISE TAXES! I, for one, would be willing to pay more to dramatically improve the transportation system. The Board had to come up with this new plan because the budget was cut, so for people who are complaining - pay up or shut up. Anyone with kids in Dexter public schools is already getting the best deal around for their tax money. If babysitters run $7/hr - 40hrs/week * 38 weeks/year = $10,640 annually. For that money, we get good teachers, buildings, transportation - and all the other state services. I doubt many folks in Dexter are paying state level taxes anywhere close that - a pretty good deal.

Barbara Read

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 12:32 p.m.

Dextermom, it's unfair to say those things are being said in k-2, where the 5 year old would be going to school. You might hear "butt" or rarely-if at all-the D or H word. It takes an older crowd to get into the really bad words or topics. Hang out at Bates sometime and listen. You won't hear anything like that. Dexmom, your bus sounds really bad. I'm sorry. ----- I put together an online poll for parents to offer feedback and suggestions on the new transportation system. Let them know what's working and what isn't. You can see the results here (and click on the link at the top to take the survey yourself). http://transportationsurvey.blogspot.com/ I'm hoping to get enough responses to share with the school board/ transportation department. It will help them to see what real parents are concerned about. So far there are some good ideas for the schools to work with. I'd love to have more people take it. Feel free to pass the link along. I'm having some technical difficulty getting the graphs uploaded, but they will be soon and you can see the spreadsheet of results and read the comments so far.

dexmom

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 12:01 p.m.

"So, dexmom and CraiginDexter, I guess there is no right answer for you???? Busing is a problem, walking is a problem. Only you walking or driving your own child is the answer? Even it you live 5 minutes from the school? Are you even going to talk about crossing guards? Or could that not possibly be the right answer?" Provide crossing guards and the kids can walk. I never said walking was the problem. My problem is allowing my 5 year old to cross Dexter Rd with no crossing guard therefore she has to take the bus. The problem on the bus is the over crowding and language. I have a right to adovocate for my child. The board hastly voted and implemented something that should have been well researched and implemented in future years. I think that is the biggest problem here. They jumped the gun and now the kids are the ones suffering. For those kids within walking distance to the schools, get crossing guards and let them walk. However until that happens we have no other choice but to either use the bus or drive them ourselves - which is not an option in my household.

Mark

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.

Just like the k-12 busing, we are falling into the trap of lumping 4 year olds through 18 year olds. The older kids can certainly walk. They can be expected to understand the rules of the road and use the crosswalks/lights. Third to 6th would be able to do it with a crossing guard and a sufficient volume and consistency of walkers that the drivers learn to expect them there (as happens at Mill Creek after school--we expect them there). Kindergarten to second grade would have to be accompanied. Someone to hold the stop sign, but also a second adult to escort them across. They just don't have the skills/maturity to judge when it's safe to cross and when to hold back. DCS: PLACE THE CROSSING GUARDS AND THEY WILL COME (not shouting, just empasizing). There needs to be one at the light at Dan Hoey across Ann Arbor Rd. There needs to be one in the village where there are no stop signs. There needs to be one across Baker Rd. at Bates and then in the Creekside parking lot to get them to the sidewalk next to the building. And maybe other places as well. But here's why that's not going to happen. The money is being spent on busing the kids, so crossing guards are redundant. The board has made a choice, and it's to bus (even you Mr. Wendorf, the board acts as a whole, not individuals). Walkers will walk at their own risk (with the exception of Mill Creek to Huron Farms). At this point, it's just not safe to send the kids. In fact, Sean said that parents can send their kids across Baker Rd at the crosswalk, but he thought that would be a really bad idea. Well, without a crossing guard, that's exactly right. There used to be a no transport zone, but when a child was killed crossing the road (yes, there were crossing guards back then), the choice was made to offer busing to the entire district. I know for certain from statements made at a bus meeting that the transportation department wants kids on the bus, not walking. Several times, Sean has said that it's the safest way to get to school. People have passionate feelings about transportation and there's a famous quote that the hardest thing to get people to do is change, but Scooter Dog, telling parents to make their kids walk across busy (and aggressively driven) roads without crossing guards just isn't a practical solution. Mominvillage is happy to send her children walking when they have a safe way to get there. So are a lot of other parents. And some are even letting their kids walk now where there is a crossing guard in place at Mill Creek. It's not rocket science. Show me the parent who sends a k-6 grade child across Dan Hoey Rd, Baker Rd, or Ann Arbor Rd where there's not a crossing guard or a stop light and I'll show you an idiot. Sorry, but it's true. And not all parents are free to walk with them.

Mark

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.

@mkw, you commented on the story about the hit and run on Dexter-Pinckney road and pointed out that traffic on that road moves too fast. The same can be said of Baker Rd. traffic, Ann Arbor Rd. traffic and Dan Hoey traffic. My wife and I have noticed and commented on the crazy Dexter driving lately. It's gotten worse in the past several years. It's like we're all racing somewhere--beating people out at stop lights even though they have the right of way. Really cool. Used to be a stop sign at Zeeb. Can you imagine that now? Michael, as a board member you should be on track with the plan--whatever it is. If you want the kids to walk, tell Sean to add crossing guards. If you want them transported to school on a bus, offer one. Simple. It's probably not going to be both. I have seen kids walking to school in the morning. I haven't seen anyone under what looks to be 12.

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 9:41 a.m.

"Dextermom: As far as the poor 5 year olds on the bus, lets work on the problem with our older kids if it exists. Or is it only your protectiveness?" Are you implying that you would put the responsibility of a young child onto the older children? What exactly are you saying? I as a parent have a right and responsibility to censor what I subject my child to. I don't go overboard and reality is there are always things going on we as parents don't like. These are learning opportunities. However, to encourage by supporting through daily exposure when I have other options available the content and behaviors of older children to my child (while I am not there) is not going to happen. As far as the bus driver trying to maintain control of all of the children, do you have any clue what a challenge that is? Your one person, navigating a bus route in rush hour with up to 77 children of all ages and sizes sitting behind you at their volumes. They put cameras on buses for a reason don't they? Things happen that the bus driver never even has a clue about. My husbands best friend is a local bus driver and so we get to hear his version of these difficulties, it's a hard job. As for as the central drop off location and being concerned that my child may get misplaced or lost is NOT over protectiveness. The School Board and Transportation Department have not given us a description of there procedures to assure us that every child (especially the young ones) are being cared for appropriately. Our priority and responsibility as parents is to be sure our children are being cared for properly either at home or with others. Until the school is able to show they are capable it is my judgement call to make to say that I will care for them and transport them in a way that I see fit. As for walking, if you can great! I live a ways from the schools in the country so no, I won't walk my children to school. As for your comment "Change can be hard on parents, it doesn't make it wrong", I never said it was "wrong." I said that the school board and transportation department have not done enough to assure us that our children would be safe. Look how long it's taking to "work out the kinks" even though they had all summer to work on it. Parents who give a care about their children would embrace change and any sacrifices that they need to make to be good parents and raise thriving children. Hard or not it's their job.

jns131

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 8:59 a.m.

If she is a board member? Then she thinking of herself and her children and the comforts of keeping things simple. For herself. I do agree with everyone here, what is wrong with walking 5 to 15 minutes to school? My word, did children suddenly develop leg cramps? I think it is more to do with game boy idis. Can't walk, gotta keep playing my game and not on the sidewalk. I remember walking half a mile to school and hated it, but I did it. Mine takes a public bus, gets her to school faster. Otherwise, stop complaining and start walking Dexter, Ann Arbor is.

dextermom

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 8:07 a.m.

So, dexmom and CraiginDexter, I guess there is no right answer for you???? Busing is a problem, walking is a problem. Only you walking or driving your own child is the answer? Even it you live 5 minutes from the school? Are you even going to talk about crossing guards? Or could that not possibly be the right answer? And did using the Chelsea bus cost us more than having our own bus? I was at the Bd meeting where taking away the jobs from the bus drivers was one of the regretable results that were being projected. I am sorry whenever anyone loses a job, but compared with other budget cuts being discussed, I guess cutting some of the drivers is a better options. Btw, sorry, but your child is going to be hearing that kind of language from the kids in his/her own elementary school. And the alcohol some of the little kids have is surprising. I complement a heads up staff for those interventions.

DexterDad

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.

For the past 8 years we have been driving our kids into Dexter schools. We were always one of the first pickups in the morning route and I couldn't make my kids get on the bus an hour and twenty minutes before school started when we lived a 5 minute drive from the school. Not sure if it was a shortage of staff or a bus but the freshman football team had to use a Chelsea bus two weeks ago to get the team to their game at Pioneer. We have also heard from bus staff that there are NO buses available for field trips. Change is never easy but it makes it more difficult when it's not planned out very well. It shouldn't take the month of September to work out the kinks. I appreciate the district trying to save money to put toward other programs but I think they swung the pendulum too far in the other direction.

dexmom

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 7:29 a.m.

If there were crossing guards I would be more than happy for my kids to walk from the daycare over to school. The problem is there is no crossing guards and Dexter Rd is a nightmare. "As far as the poor 5 year olds on the bus, lets work on the problem with our older kids if it exists. Or is it only your protectiveness?" Yes there is a problem. There are too many kids on the buses meaning my 5 year old sits in the back with the older kids. Yesterday her and her brother were upset when I picked them up because one of the older kids called her a b(*&^ because she looked at him. Another day they overhead kids talking about "Bake High" and weed. Then one day it was BJs. So until you're child is coming home asking about these issues don't sit and judge and assume that there is NOT a problem when there clearly is. I understand changes will have to be made due to budgetary issues, however this is not working. There are too many safety violations right now for most people to feel comfortable with it. Mary Marshall, Sean Burton and the entire Board need to focus their time and energy on finding a solution to this fiasco they have created. And I do appreciate them opening up discussions in November over this but IMO why November, why not now?

dextermom

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 7:11 a.m.

I couldn't agree more about the walking to school. My kids walked their entire time, horror of horrors, even crossing the street. It used to be that no kids who lived in the Village were bused. There are almost no streets in the Village remaining without sidewalks and if you don't want your kids walking without a sidewalk, have them go over a block and walk on the street next to it! If we need to re-institute crossing guards, good. Spend your time crossing all the kids rather than walking your kid. You could even pick up some lunch money. As far as the poor 5 year olds on the bus, lets work on the problem with our older kids if it exists. Or is it only your protectiveness? Most of our neighboring school districts have only ever had one bus run for the entire time I've been teaching. Change can be hard on parents, it doesn't make it wrong. Too many parents decide the HAVE TO DRIVE their kids to school even with walking and busing. This is crazy or maybe we want to take the budget balancing approach that one of the local school districts took. They dropped school busing altogether. Boy, did that curb the complaining and busing was re-instituted.

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.

All I have to say is that Kim is on the school board and the board voted unanimously to go with this system. How can she really complain? If information given at voting time was not acceptable why did she vote yes? It's obviously not acceptable to her NOW, and they have been working for weeks to iron out the kinks in the "new" system. I am a Dexter parent and I refuse to put my children on their buses now. They wouldn't even supply us with information on how they planned to keep our children safe, or how they planned to supervise these children in crowded buses or walks to other schools on the campus. I'm sure it could be easy for them to lose my five year old amongst the teenagers so NO we don't even risk it. I haven't heard much as a parent about reducing the time on the bus either. They actually added time twice this year to our stop. My kids would be picked up at 6:47am and their school doesn't start until 8:15am. This whole new system stinks! As for walking to school for many that is a safety issue. If kids are going to walk a parent should be with them until they are in middle school. We have two main roads in Dexter and the traffic and congestion at that time is a nightmare. I would be terrified if I saw a young child having to cross into this traffic even once (some have to do more) to get to school. My husband and I pay taxes to the schools to transport our children but because we have no say in safety we don't do it. All I wish is that I could have that money back! I guess they get quite the deal!

mominvillage

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 3:28 p.m.

I agree that it is close enough to walk. However, I live on the same side of Main Street and have a tough time allowing my early elementary children permission to walk along streets with no sidewalks and cross Dexter's main street during peak traffic hours with no crossing guard. Once some of these items are in place I will allow my kids to walk.

mkw

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.

I couldn't agree with the first comment more. Walking to school from Edison St. is not that far. I never realized our tax dollars were paying for school busses to pick up kids that close to school. Aren't we encouraging more excercise? We didn't have backpacks when I was in schoool. I walked rain or shine or snow with our books under one arm and my violin in the other. That was from Miller and Maple in Ann Arbor to Newport and M-14..every day.

scooter dog

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 12:19 p.m.

Well if you live 5 minutes from your school and you don't want your kids sitting on the bus for a hour,its pretty obvious what you need to do. Stop complaining and make your kids WALK to school