Jackson-Madison Co. parents voice school transportation concerns

JACKSON, Tenn. –Monday was the first day of school, and some parents are concerned about how their children will get there.

“I just want it to be right. When it comes to children, we got to do something,” concerned parent Tasha said.

She told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News she was outraged when she saw small kids trying to cross Dr. F.E. Wright Drive just to catch the bus.

“The children have to cross the street to catch the bus. This is a 55 mph section right here.Why do kindergarten kids have to cross the street to catch the bus? That doesn’t make any sense.”

She also said 7- and 8-year-olds would have to cross the street early in the morning, a time of heavy traffic.

The road is home to many factories and jobs and brings a lot of trucks and cars to the area.

“Every parent is not able to be out here because some of them have to be at work early. Every parent is not going to be out here to cross their kids across the street.”

She says last year the bus went into the apartment complex, and she thinks kids should not have to risk safety to get an education.

“I don’t think they should be allowed to cross the street, period. They should be able to be picked up at the corner or they should be able to go down inside and pick them up.”

After contacting the Jackson-Madison County School Transportation Department, they told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News they heard from the concerned parents and that it was a simple mistake due to a new bus driver. Starting Tuesday, the bus will go into the apartment complex and pick up the kids and take them to school.

If you are a parent with transportation concerns, the transportation department said all you have to do is call and let them know and they will investigate the issue and make sure your child gets to and from school safely.