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District Changes Mind On Middle School Walk Policy
August 20, 2008
The Escambia School Board is changing its mind on the their new middle school walk zone policy, going back to the old policy. The new walk zone had middle school students two miles away walking to school. The old policy, which is being reinstated, decreases that distance to 1.5 miles.
Several parents, many with students attending Tate High School or Ransom Middle School, told the school board Tuesday night that they feared for the safety of their children.
Expressing the potential dangers of crossing a busy Highway 29 to children walking past dozens of registered sex offenders living near Tate High, parents wanted the district to return to the old walk policy. The district did just that, making an immediate change back to the 1.5 mile walk zone.
The state provides funding to transport students that live more than two miles from school, but not within the two mile limit for middle or high school students.
Some parents complained that their children were forced to walk in ditches due to the lack of sidewalks near the schools.
“I encourage you to go to your county commission and make the same plea,” board member Patty Hightower said.
“It’s going to mean being involved with the people in Tallahassee,” board member Gerald Boone said. “I know I wouldn’t let my children or grandchildren walk in situations like that.”
Pictured above: A concerned citizen holds a sign protesting the Escambia County’s school walk policy at the school board’s Tuesday night meeting. NorthEscambia.com photo.
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