Blind s-curves down a hill.
Steep ravines, dark, impenetrable woods.
Speeding cars, trucks, buses.
Sex offenders, animals, no sidewalks or parking areas.
These and other hazards endanger the children of Rusty Lane in Springfield Township under Clarkston Community Schools? busing policy, parents told the Board of Education Monday.
‘This is a dangerous spot,? said Michele Dolan. ‘It’s not safe for children.?
It was safer when buses were allowed to drive down the dirt road, deliver students closer to their homes, then back up and turn around to get back to the main road, parents said.
The school board declined to make an immediate exception, but promised to make calls to the Road Commission for Oakland County and neighboring school districts.
‘I agree, some roads in the community are rather horrible,? said Superintendent Al Roberts at the Aug. 27 meeting. ‘I agree that we all need to do our best to communicate with the road commission to make this area safer for our kids and residents.?
A no-reverse policy was put in place years ago by the school board for safety reasons, and enforced this year, said board President Stephen Hyer.
‘Children’s safety is something we are all passionate about,? Hyer said. ‘The board has made the policy that it is unsafe to back up in any instance.?
In inclement weather, school administration considers bus safety when deciding whether to cancel classes for the day, he said.
About a dozen parents, and one elementary student, addressed the board with their concerns.
‘I understand it’s the responsibility of parents to get children to and from the bus stop,? said Brenda McMillen. ‘But sometimes you can’t get to the bus stop on time ? whose fault is it if you have an emergency??
The district transportation committee has checked bus stops in person, and recommended continuation of the no-backup policy, Hyer said.
Clarkston schools has set up a hotline for additional feedback, 248-623-3897.