Framingham Kindergarten Crisis - Update
Apr 30th, 2008 by masspreschools
As we continue to try to understand the crisis in Framingham and its impact on kindergarten children one consistent “rumor” has been found. Many parents have been informally told that Framingham will not honor school choice in the fall. As such, kindergarten childrens’ first experience with school will be associated with long bus rides every morning. In some cases, these bus rights may exceed one hour!
While no one believes this is a good experience for children, including those making the decisions, other considerations are likely in play. The cost of fuel for school buses has risen dramatically in the past year for school systems across the nation. Many school systems are responding by dramatically cutting bus service. By not honoring school choice and combining it with restricted school bus service, Framingham could save money by forcing transportation costs to parents. If presented with an hour long bus trip every day (as well as a return trip) many parent will opt to transport their children on their own. If enough parents to this, they town will save significant amount of cash.
Unfortunately, the triple threat of restricted bus service, cuts from full day kindergarten to half-day kindergarten and not honoring school choice will be a devastating blow to many families. But more importantly, our greatest investment in the future, our children will be undermined and distressed.
Hopefully this triple threat will not materialize - but parents of kindergarten aged children should plan for the worst and start making alternative arrangements now.
More to come.
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