Parents frustrated with bus route near busy construction site

By Jenna Wilson

As construction continues on the South 29th bridge near Pickett Road, some parents are frustrated their kids have to cross through a ravine to get to the school bus.

“Now that they’ve started construction there is no longer a bridge here,” said Courtney Chamberlain, a mother who lives in the neighborhood. “These kids are climbing clear down into this ravine and all the way across with rocks and mud in there.”

In some cases, younger students haven’t been able to make it across the bridge.

“There are kids who don’t know how to problem solve and they’ve stood across this bridge waiting for their parents to get home and guide them on how to walk through it,” Chamberlain added. “It’s been every day for more than a month.”

Chamberlain took to social media to reveal the extremity of the bridge’s condition as it undergoes construction. The area appeared rocky, muddy and had a flowing stream of water. Students walk through the ravine to get to 29th and Commercial streets where bus 43 to Central High School stops.

“Plenty of students in this neighborhood take the bus, in fact, there you go,” Chamberlain said pointing to the ravine. “There’s two students right here that’s going to walk across to get through after getting dropped off by the bus up the street.”

According to Chamberlain and other parents in the neighborhood, when asking for an alternative route for students, the district would not respond.

News-Press NOW reached out to the St. Joseph School District Tuesday morning for a statement regarding the issue.

“We understand some concerns about safety near a bus stop impacted by nearby road construction. Ensuring the safety of students riding our buses is a top priority for the school district,” a statement from the district reads. “We are actively collaborating with First Student, our bus service provider, to establish an alternate bus stop for those students impacted by the construction. First Student has assured us that a new stop will be in place by the end of the week, if not sooner.

“If parents have questions, we encourage them to contact the bus company,” the statement continues. “The SJSD is committed to working with First Student to provide safe and accessible routes to bus stops and schools for all students.”

As Chamberlain pushed for a response, she said she eventually heard from Apple Bus Company and the district that they are going to change the bus route and pick up students at the top of the road near S. 28th Street.

“I’ve already been in contact with other parents to make sure the district follows this resolution,” said Chamberlain. “Hopefully we cannot have to worry about kids losing their foot in concrete, falling on equipment or even being dirty when they arrive to school and they shouldn’t be.”