A change in the way students get bussed leaves parents scrambling in Jerome

Jermone, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — For months rumors have been circulating around the community that bussing would no longer be provided to certain preschools and afterschool care. This left many multiple working parents worried about their children and their safety. Little Tigers in Jerome is one of the preschools and daycares that is said will be impacted by the bussing issue.

“We have about 40 school kids here, and those parents are very upset about the fact that in the last 5 years we’ve had bussing to childcare before and after school so that they can go to work,” said Director of Little Tigers, Leslie Kinsey.

According to the superintendent of Jerome School District, any school located within a mile and a half or less, is considered a walker, meaning they’d have to walk to aftercare after school, and for some, that means walking almost eight blocks.

“There are four different schools, so if I were to send a staff member to go walk with the kids, I would have four different staff go in all directions, one to each school,” said Kinsey.

Kinsey says she doesn’t have enough staff to be able to go to the schools to meet the kids, and parents aren’t open to carpool. “I just don’t have that staff because we’re still here will younger children also,” said Kinsey.

Kinsey offered an alternative to the Bus Barn, asking if kids could just be dropped off at the district office. “I can have staff pick them up there and walk them back here, it’s a block and a half away and it’s easy walk for a child,” she said.

KMVT reached out to Jerome’s Superintendent Brent Johnson, while he was away for a conference in San Diego to get more clarity and solutions.

“As our community has grown, our bus company is struggling to find drivers and busses to cover those routes,” said Johnson. “I share those concerns. I want kids to get to school safety, and on time in a way that helps parents work in the community and I understand those concerns, being a parent myself.”

Johnson says that he plans to speak with government officials to advocate for change to the legislation, to shorten the distance for walkers, and to limit safety concerns.

“Locally, I’ve had conversations with legislatures that are interested with helping. This, and some other changes that can improve funding and our ability to serve our district better that’s exciting, but still in its infancy, so we have a long way to go there,” said Johnson.

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