The tragic death of a student this week has brought renewed attention to the ongoing safety concerns surrounding schools located near railroad tracks.
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According to HISD officials, 118 schools in the district are situated near railroad tracks, with many students having to cross them daily to reach school.
In response to the recent tragedy, HISD has identified nine schools where the danger is particularly imminent.
In an effort to address the situation, HISD has reiterated an initiative to ensure the safety of students.
“Any family can say my child doesn’t have a safe walking route to school, and we will accommodate that,” Alexandra Elizondo, HISD public affairs chief, said.
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This promise comes after growing concerns from parents and community members about the dangers students face walking near train tracks.
However, this promise stands in contrast to the district’s recent transportation changes.
In an interview earlier this year, Superintendent Mike Miles revealed that he intended to save money on bussing. That plan pushed the eligible bussing boundary from two miles to three this school year.
“The district used $56 million a year transporting 8,700 kids, and that’s not a good return on your investment, that is not a sustainable model,” Miles said.
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And it appears Miles does not want HISD to foot the bill for additional safe routing bussing, either.
He will negotiate that bill with Union Pacific, according to the district’s press office:
“HISD’s policy on considering transportation requests to address unsafe walking routes is longstanding. We have not seen any uptick of requests from families in recent days.
HISD will ask Union Pacific to offset the cost of this additional bus service”
