Neighbors complain about bus cuts

Students who attend Eagle Valley Middle School aren't the only ones concerned about the district's decision to cut bus service there.

Many neighbors don't want the kids walking there, either.

"It's not all of them, but there's a few that want to push your buttons," said Robert McGuire, who lives nearby. "They cuss in front of you and harass other children. If you try to correct them, they give you a lot of static and the finger.

"We don't want to be prisoners in our own home."

Several neighbors spoke out at Tuesday's school board meeting about problems they've already seen as students have ridden bikes across their lawns, vandalized their property, stolen their mail and other disruptions.

Larry Peltier said a group of students shot out his sliding glass door with a BB gun a couple of weeks ago.

"We just don't want the problem to escalate," he said. "I don't know what to do. I'm at my wits' end with these kids."

Three bus routes from the area near Empire Elementary School to Eagle Valley Middle School will be discontinued on April 19, forcing about 250 students to either walk to school or find another form of transportation.

"This is in accordance with board policy and procedure that states we don't provide transportation for secondary students who live within two miles of their school," said Mike Mitchell, director of operations for the Carson City School District.

He explained the policy has not been enforced because there was not a safe route to the school.

"We have worked diligently with city officials to create a path for students to walk," Mitchell said.

Crossing guards will also be placed in crosswalks to usher students across Edmonds and Fifth streets.

Neighbors suggested a crossing guard should also serve at the intersection of Park Hill and Hells Bells roads.

The reports of destructive students just added to Al Copeland's trepidation about sending his 12-year-old daughter to walk to school each day.

"A two-mile walk for children, who can't even remember to wipe their noses before they leave the house, is a little too much," he said. "Who's going to be responsible if she does get hurt?"

Mitchell said he would take the considerations into account along with Principal Ferd Mariani.

"The school district is obviously a partner in the well-being of kids," he said. "We do believe the safest way to get the students to school is by busing them. However, we don't have the resources it takes to bus every student.

"That's why we have to enforce this policy."

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.