Bill would require more school busing

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by Mike Sever

Record-Courier staff writer

A bill introduced by State Rep. Kathleen Chandler would require school districts to bus students up through grade eight who live within 2 miles of school or wherever there are no sidewalks available to walk to school.

"This issue was brought to me by people who saw young children walking along a busy roadway to school" in Streetsboro, Chandler said.

A constituent, Vernon Weingart of Streetsboro, asked Chandler to introduce the bill, which would expand the busing requirements of the public schools.

In 2007, Streetsboro school district eliminated busing for all students who live within two miles of their school. The board cut busing after a 5.1-mill levy narrowly failed. The district expected to save nearly $300,000 with the cut.

Weingart said he became concerned about the safety of children last winter when he saw two small Streetsboro elementary students, "walking in the dark, in the ditch, along heavily traveled Route 14 on their way to school."

"This is clearly a safety issue," Weingart said, adding, "it must never happen again."

Currently under Ohio law, schools are required to offer business to students only if they live beyond two miles from the school they attend.

H.B. 597 has been referred to committee. No hearings have been scheduled and Chandler said she doesn't expect any until November. Chandler represents the 68th District which covers most of Portage County.

If the bill dies for lack of action this legislative session, Chandler said she intends to reintroduce it next year.

"I realize this is a really hard time to bring up this proposal because the price of gas is so high and schools are already stretched," Chandler said. "We probably should find some ways to help schools with the price of gas." Chandler said she expects the cost of fuel will be part of future school funding discussions.

She said a committee formed by Gov. Strickland to look at the school funding issue has been meeting regularly.

"And he has pledged he will address it this next [legislative] session. I'm looking forward to having this on the front burner and come up with a solution," Chandler said.

Weingart praised Chandler's initiative with the proposed amendment and spotlighted her, "perceptive and diligent work in raising this important issue."

Messages were left with Streetsboro schools seeking comment.