BALDWIN, Fla. — For some Duval County students, the first day meant a longer walk to school than usual.
Duval County Schools changed its policy; now middle and high school students living less than two miles from school no longer receive a bus.
For one Baldwin Middle-High parent, the concern about the new policy isn’t the distance or the heat, but the danger of her children crossing the 301 Bypass.
“Even driving it is scary," said Clara Snyder.
Crossing the 301 Bypass in Baldwin with all the semitrucks and cars pushing yellow lights isn’t Snyder’s favorite part of her commute.
She always had some peace of mind that her middle and high school students rode the bus home, so at least they weren’t crossing five lanes of traffic with no crosswalks.
“I don’t think I would want to cross that road, and I’m not a child," said Snyder.
Snyder lives 1.57 miles from Baldwin Middle-High.
By state law, buses only have to be provided for students living more than two miles from school.
For years, DCPS provided a half mile courtesy, out of the district budget, so folks like the Snyder family would have a bus.
However, district officials say budget constraints made it so that’s no longer the case for middle and high school families.
“We were covering that cost with funds that are the same type that go into the classrooms and support classroom needs," said DCPS Spokesperson Tracy Pierce. "We’re just in an era within the school district, where those types of things, those tough decisions have to be made.”
“A good walk isn’t harming anyone and they’re active kids, but that bypass is scary," said Snyder.
The Snyder children are two of about 1100 who lost their bus to school this year, according to the district.
Pierce says parents who feel their children’s route is unsafe should contact the transportation department.
“We can work with our partners like JEA, COJ, the various municipalities to implement temporary things around those, make them as safe as possible," said Pierce.
“That’s nerve-racking to think my kids are going to have to cross this to get home," said Snyder.
State law does offer exemptions for areas deemed hazardous, where the state will pick up the check for providing a bus.
However, that only exists for elementary schools.
DCPS Board Member Cindy Pearson said the district is pushing lawmakers to:
- Make that exemption apply to all grade levels
- Change the definition of hazardous so more dangerous areas like the 301 Bypass apply