After the News Tribune wrote a follow up article to the school traffic issue I decided to speak with Matt Baker, the author of the story. He had spoke to me before he wrote the story and I filled him in on what went on at our last city council meeting regarding the school. He had read my online story which prompted him to call. I appreciated the fact he read the story We disagree on what the real issue is regarding the school.
I have no ill will towards the school board, superintendent, or the teachers at Northwest school. I have concern for the safety of the students! If the issue is how best to protect the students while they are entering and leaving the school than the answer is not changing the public street traffic directions!
The former principal of Northwest school, Mr. Colbrese, blamed the city’s traffic problem for the need to stagger the dismissal times for students. Due to this change the school said they have lost valuable education time, up to 4-6 days of classroom time total. I suggested they stagger the start times as well, to regain this lost school time. This was not done. I’m guessing the teacher’s union would object to doing that. It would probably have to be a negotiated item during contract time. In the latest comment from Superintendent Marenda he said that things are going well and he and the Mayor decided not to make the traffic changes. WHAT?
Questions…..
1. Why did he and the Mayor request changes from the council before finding out if they were necessary?
2. You need to come back to the Council to change that which was approved at the last council meeting. Don’t they both realize they don’t make these decisions on their own?
3. What about the lost school time from the staggered dismissals?
4. No one was present from the school at the time we discussed the traffic changes…isn’t this important enough for them to send a representative?
It appears that the school isn’t concerned about the lost education time of the students or the safety of those who enter and exit their cars in the public streets because no change was made to correct that .
So I ask you the parents of the school children attending Northwest school…are you happy with the changes made? Do you feel the children are the number one priority? Shouldn’t an off street pick up and drop off area be discussed ? Let me hear from you and I will bring your message to the council.
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