Durham Public Schools families are reacting to a major move that the board approved, which would stop bussing about 750 students to 21 elementary schools.
Some parents call it life-changing.
“To be able to get the kids to school and to work, it’s a potential problem,” said Lakewood Elementary parent Ali Cuffy.
The new plan goes into effect on Jan. 21, 2025, and will go until further notice. It does not affect Cuffy because he takes his son to school, but he feels for those who can’t.
“I like to do drop-offs and pick-ups and interact with teachers that teach my kids. It’s important to me,” he said.
One frustrated mom at Thursday night’s board meeting was among those who signed up to speak, and said it’s been a challenge getting her children to school.
“Dr. Lewis, I have to be honest with you. I do not care about your strategic plan,” she said. “What I care about as a parent of two DPS students is, how will they be able to get to school?”
For some parents, it’s already been a challenging school year trying to figure out how they’re going to get their kids to school at least once a week. Under this new plan, many will have to take their kids every day.