Parents React After JMCSS Opens Despite Icy Road Conditions
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JACKSON, Tenn. – Many local parents were alarmed when Jackson-Madison County Schools opted to open despite icy conditions, Thursday. “I didn’t get very far before we hit slush and I started sliding,” JMCSS parent Amanda Drake said. “There was an oncoming car to my left, to the right was a ditch, and I was nervous as to if I would go into the ditch or hit the other car.” Icy roads sent cars and school buses sliding across West Tennesee roads. In one crash, the 16-year-old driver of a car hit a 12-year-old boy who was walking to school along Arlington Avenue. “We understand that the student that was struck is in the hospital and being assessed,” JMCSS Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin said. “We believe that the student may have a broken leg. We know that the student that was driving has not been injured in that accident. However, we’re very concerned about both the students.” Two school buses also encountered problems on the ice. At the end of the day, Dr. Ruffin said the parents have a choice to make, and it’s up to them to decide whether or not the send there kids to school.” “I think it’s definitely fair to say that it’s always at the discretion of the adults what’s going to happen ultimately,” Ruffin said. Ruffin added she understands parents’ concerns, but believes the school system made the correct choice to stay open. “I would want parents to know that before a decision is made about whether schools are open or closed, students are at the forefront of every one of those decisions,” Ruffin said.
