Requesting The Department Of Education To Expand Transportation Services In The Pearl City School District.
Impact
The resolution urges administrative action from the Department of Education to expand existing transportation services. It includes specific suggestions such as employing smaller buses and lower ridership to maximize service options. In addition, the resolution calls for better outreach between the department, schools, and parents to address evolving transportation needs based on demographic changes. Establishing a training program for bus drivers and encouraging collaboration with community organizations are also proposed to increase the availability of transport services.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 (SCR23) aims to address the longstanding transportation shortage in the Pearl City School District in Hawaii. The resolution highlights an ongoing issue with bus driver shortages that have troubled the district since at least 1991, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensuring safe and reliable transportation for students is underscored as critical for academic success, with parents reporting that numerous students currently lack access to transportation services.#
To resolve the transportation challenges, SCR23 requests the Department of Education to take immediate action to provide bus services to students who are waitlisted. The resolution points out the criteria for students to qualify for bus services, including distance from the school and minimum ridership requirements for bus routes. The discussion notes that many students who live within a mile of school may go without service, despite available seating on buses, leading to inequitable access.
Contention
While there is a clear need for enhanced transportation in Pearl City, there may be challenges in implementing the proposed measures outlined in SCR23. Historically, budget constraints and organizational limitations in the Department of Education, as well as collaboration with various stakeholders, may present hurdles in executing the recommendations promptly. The balancing act between managing resources and ensuring accessible school transportation for every student remains a significant concern for legislators and educators alike.
Encouraging The Department Of Transportation And The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Expand The Red-light Safety Program.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Study Evaluating The Feasibility Of Expanding The Jurisdiction Of All Public Schools To Include A Quarter-mile Radius Surrounding Each School.
Payments for school district transportation of students, special education students, and career and technical education students, the distribution of transportation payments in the event of school district closure, and state transportation payments to school districts; and to provide an effective date.