Give us options, not excuses, about busing issue

The following was submitted as a letter to the editor of Menifee 24/7:

So help me understand. Most Menifee students were supplied with free transportation last year as a result of the school district changing school boundaries to accommodate imbalances in school populations. In years prior, parents had to pay for transportation. I understand that there was a substantial increase in transportation costs ($500,000) from the contracted Hemet School District Transportation, but cutting out Menifee transportation services within a month of school starting is not a responsible remedy to this problem.

There was a budgeted amount set aside for transportation ($1.5 million). What's happening with that money? Even if it's not an option for the district to cover the additional costs, then why not return to the fee-based system to pick up the balance?

Why not research other options for transportation. Why only Hemet? Why are they putting the burden on Menifee Boys and Girls Club to accommodate for this last-minute drop of transportation services? Murrieta and Temecula offer transportation for a fee. I know this would put a squeeze on many families' budget, but at least it's an option. Temecula even offers a Punch Pass purchase option for kids that don't need daily transportation. I think that's a great idea.

I have lived here in Menifee since the 80's and I've seen many changes. Our community is sprawling, and expecting young children to walk down roads without sidewalks and in precarious traffic situations is unacceptable. Yes, there are options to set up carpools and ride sharing, but not with such short notice.

I did a quick Megan's Law search today and found 108 "postable offenders" within 5 miles of my home. We cannot control who moves into the neighborhoods between our homes and schools. We should not be forced to make rushed decisions about handing off our children to just anyone to get them to and from school.

This week, I had the discouraging opportunity to meet one of our District board members, and his response was that us parents just needed to form committees and create carpools. (It's that simple!). He said parents didn't understand how the budget works and that it's the state's fault for not releasing budget information until the last minute. In my five minutes of receiving a lecture from him and not being able to effectively express my concern as a parent, I am VERY UNIMPRESSED and FEARFUL for the direction of our district.

We already have enough of a problem with our teachers not receiving adequate pay and support from the district. As a result, we are losing all the good teachers to nearby districts that pay accordingly. The teachers have been fighting for our kids. Parents MUST get involved, too. I encourage you all to reach out to your elected representative and make your concerns known.

Why are we paying our superintendent $258,000 a year, and now the board wants the district to pay lifetime medical, dental, and vision to the superintendent, his wife, and dependents when we can't even have ANY OPTIONS for busing?

If my numbers are off, this is just what I've gathered from various sources since the notice went out. I've heard there's a district meeting next week (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., district office). I'm hopeful that all parents will come and make their concerns known. I'm hoping our concerns will not fall upon deaf ears.

Leslie Fairbairn
Menifee

Letters to the Editor of Menifee 24/7 should be sent in an email to menifee247info@gmail.com. Guidelines for length of letters is a maximum of 300-400 words. Profanity and generally offensive statements are prohibited. Please include your full name and phone number for verification.