The Whitehall-Coplay School Board meeting July 27 focused on more than a dozen parents, students and residents asking to change a new transportation plan that would require charter school students to use LANTA buses instead of regular school buses.<\/p>\n
Families said the change would create problems because of early-morning departures, multiple bus transfers and long walks to bus stops. Several speakers questioned whether student safety was fully considered before the plan was made.<\/p>\n
Lori Cover told the board her son\u2019s commute would start 5:30 a.m. and include a one-mile walk along Mechanicsville Road, where some areas do not have sidewalks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a nurse, I work with children on ventilators who have been hit by cars. My desire is for all Whitehall students to be safe and not to become my patients,\u201d said Cover, asking the board to reconsider the plan.<\/p>\n
Pablo and Kaylee Mora said their son, who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), should not be required to use public transportation without a review of his individual needs. They asked the district to pause the policy for students with IEPs, review safety concerns and look at unsafe walking routes.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease do not make families prove a tragedy could happen before acting,\u201d Mora said. \u201cThe district\u2019s transportation obligation should mean safe transportation that actually works for the child\u2019s school schedule and needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandra Suero said her daughter, a student at Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, would have a commute of more than 90 minutes each way with multiple bus transfers.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy concern is not convenience. It\u2019s her safety,\u201d Suero told the board.<\/p>\n
Guy Pascarella said LANTA\u2019s trip planner showed his daughter\u2019s afternoon commute home could take more than two-and-a-half hours. He said the change would leave students with less time for homework, activities and family time.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust because something can be legally attempted does not mean it should be executed,\u201d Pascarella said. \u201cThis change creates an unsafe and unhealthy transportation experience for a specific group of district students.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students also spoke during the meeting. Joseph Berger, an incoming eighth-grader at Lehigh Valley Academy, said middle school students should not be expected to use public transportation because of safety concerns. He also shared his own experiences with bullying while attending district schools.<\/p>\n
\u201cChildren should not have to deal with these risks just to go to and from school. Their safety should come before convenience,\u201d Joseph said.<\/p>\n
Several parents questioned why age 12 was chosen as the cutoff for district bus service. They also asked the board to share expected cost savings and any safety reviews used to support the decision.<\/p>\n
Others raised concerns about language in the district\u2019s letter that suggested families who were unhappy with the transportation change could enroll their children in Whitehall-Coplay schools instead.<\/p>\n
After public comment, board member LoriAnn Fehnel said she was the only board member who voted against the transportation policy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was the only board member that voted against this measure because I care about your kids,\u201d she said, adding that student safety was her main concern.<\/p>\n
The board did not discuss changing the transportation policy during the meeting.<\/p>\n
Outside of public comment, the board approved financial reports, personnel items, curriculum updates and salary increases for the superintendent and assistant superintendent. Members also welcomed new teachers joining the district for the upcoming school year.<\/p>\n
Before the meeting ended, the board discussed plans for future high school graduation ceremonies. Fehnel questioned the district\u2019s plan to hold graduation at Zephyr Stadium, raising concerns about heat, weather plans and access for guests with medical needs. She also questioned the expected cost savings.<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot see these families suffering in heat and humidity who have heart conditions, asthma and people that may travel from out of state,\u201d Fehnel said.<\/p>\n
Board President William Fonzone said National Weather Service data showed average evening temperatures during the proposed graduation time are usually favorable. He also said a committee is working on backup plans if weather becomes an issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a committee that is planning all of the contingencies,\u201d Assistant Superintendent Renee Sallit said.<\/p>\n
The next school board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 10.<\/p>\n
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