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Transport problems
Sometime in the next couple months a special committee will report to the Rappahannock School Board about problems aboard the school system’s buses. Once again the school administration deserves credit for identifying a growing problem, devising an inclusive approach to examine it, and moving to solve it before it worsens.
Many readers will do doubt remember an incident this year in which a student reportedly brought a small-caliber handgun aboard a school bus. This paper also reported this year that transportation problems were considered the major issue of concern in a survey of Rappahannock Elementary parents conducted by the school system in the fall. Although most parents were satisfied that “the transportation services that are offered by the Rappahannock County School Board are excellent,” almost 50 strongly disagreed, and about 25 disagreed—the single largest area of parental concern in the 10question survey.
There have been other reports: obscene exposure aboard a bus, racially insensitive comments by a bus driver, a student’s hair being lit on fire by another student.
Superintendent David Gangel, while he would not confirm or deny the incidents involving pupil-personnel issues (in accordance with the school system’s written policy), has expressed his concern about the transportation system. “There are always problems in situations where you bring numbers of people together,” he said. Where problems have come to light, he said, they have been fully investigated. The exposure incident (or incidents, as we have heard) was looked into and there was “enough evidence of wrongdoing to take disciplinary action.” Given the students’ rights of privacy, we are satisfied with his statements on the topic.
“Bus transportation is not a right, bus transportation is a privilege,” according to the superintendent, and we agree. If the schools’ tranportation committee finds a growing abuse of the privilege among students, we would suggest tightening the standards. Kicking a few problem students off the buses could be just the message that needs to be sent to the children—and their parents.
Part of the problem, it seems, is that younger children and high school students all ride together on the bus. “We’re looking at the age issue right now,” said Dr. Gangel. “We realize that it’s a concern and ... I ktftw they have some recommendations.”
The issue of racist statements and attitudes among staff members is another matter, and we are satisfied that the school administration will not tolerate them where they are found.
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