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WEST JORDAN -- Potential cuts to the state's education fund have the Jordan School District thinking about cutting some school bus routes. Neighbors in the affected areas met Monday night to talk about their children's safety.
In West Jordan, the speed limit on U.S. Highway 111 is 55 miles per hour. That's where school children would potentially have to cross to get to school if hazardous bus routes get cut next year.
"You don't just name something hazardous that could have a safe alternative, or it wouldn't be called hazardous," says parent Jessica Kaneen.
"It's posted at 55 miles per hour, but you can tell people drive much faster than that," says Amie Crawford, of the Oakcrest Community Council.
Parents of students who attend Oakcrest Elementary School met Monday night to discuss this possibility.
Related:
Public education to face $21M cut
It looks like public education will suffer a budget cut in the coming year. At stake is $16-$21 million, the amount left over after everything else has been cut and emergency funding applied.The Jordan School District is considering cutting several bus routes, including those labeled hazardous. That would directly affect the neighborhoods along U-111 and 7800 South.
Children living in the Sycamores, west of U-111, would be asked to cross the main highway. Those living in the Maples, north of 7800 South, would have to walk across the busy road too.
"It's foggy. The mornings can potentially be dark; low visibility in the winter months," Kaneen says. "I just don't think it's safe."
The Jordan District says cutting those bus routes would save $1 million -- only a portion of its $30 million shortfall.
During Monday night's meeting, Oakcrest Elementary's principal told parents that if this goes through, 275 students would be affected. He asked them to write letters to the district board members and elected officials and voice their opinions at board meetings.
"It's just unfortunate," Kaneen says. "It's putting a price on a child's life, and that's just not OK."
Crawford says the crosswalk needs to be repainted, there's no crossing guard and there are no school crossing lights. Other parents say even state officials seem to think the road can be dangerous.
"The Utah Department of Transportation has recently put in flashing lights to [warn of] a signal ahead because there are still accidents," Kaneen added.
She says she can remember at least four accidents that were serious enough to necessitate medical helicopters.
Another bill likely to pass would eliminate bus routes for anyone living less than three miles away from school, instead of the current two-mile rule.
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Story compiled with information from Nicole Gonzales and Paul Nelson.
