Public School Busing Fees

I am a homeowner and the parent of school-aged children. I don't believe that we should be charged a fee to ride a bus to attend public schools. This is a trend that seems to be happening all over the State of Massachusetts. It seems as though once one school district does it, then the others aren't far behind. It's not that I don't understand that every school district is short on funds these days, but I just don't think that charging fees for everything is the solution.

Our children are entitled to a free public education. If the children do not live within a safe and reasonable walking distance from the school, then a school bus should be made available free of charge. Isn't that what are taxes are supposed to be used for? The school bus fees should be figured into the budget and should be indispensable.

How about the parents that can't or won't pay for busing? Where does it leave those kids? The children have to deal with it and it's just not fair to them. They have to do what their expected to do, even if it means walking to school under unsafe circumstances. As parents, we all try so very hard to keep our kids safe. This is our responsibility and it's not always easy. Many dangers lurk on the same streets that these kids have to walk to school. In fact, some of these dangers are even in our schools. Then, the very people we trust with our children day after day make some choices that put our children at even greater risks for being hurt.

Some of these are elementary school kids. They have to walk up to two miles each way. They are forced to cross main streets and dangerous intersections without any crossing guards. Inclement weather also poses a threat to these kids. Some cannot even afford proper winter clothing and boots, and even those who can should not be walking those icy streets and unshoveled sidewalks.

It is a known fact that child predators watch children. They see if they daily routine is altered. Then they act when the children are at their most vulnerable state. Children walking by themselves to school each day make them an easy target.

Don't forget about violence and drugs. Our children have no defense against bullies and gangs.They can be approached by thugs selling drugs or weapon . They can be harassed over and over again to be part of their group or gang. We teach our kids to say, "NO" but that's not always good enough. Our even friends that try to convince them into skipping school. Don't we all want to know where are kids are?

Public school is supposed to be free. We are already paying fees for sports. Paying fees for after school activities. Field trips, books, paper, labs, supplies, instrument rentals, etc. The list is growing all the time, yet our taxes are increasing too. So, should we really have to pay a fee for our kids to ride a bus to school? I don't think so!