PROSPER, Texas — The city of Prosper is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state of Texas, and its school district is feeling some of the growing pains.
A spokesperson with Prosper ISD said at the beginning of the school year the district moved several bus stops to make routes safer and more efficient. Some parents aren’t pleased with the decision and have voiced safety concerns.
A group of parents with students attending Rucker Elementary School are calling on the district to change the new route back.
“My fear for my kids is that somebody loses control, somebody's texting while they're driving,” said Pickel. “The safer option is for the bus to pull back into the neighborhood.”
Jamie Pickel has two children who attend Rucker Elementary. She said in years prior, the buses would come into the neighborhood and pick up the students. Now, the buses pick students up at the neighborhood's entrance along 1st St. and Hidden Lake Drive. Pickel said she and other neighbors have recorded drivers flying past the bus even when it’s stopped, and the arms are extended.
The group of parents filed a grievance.
The district said in a statement,” We prioritize the safety of our students and are committed to finding the best solution. However, we must respect the ongoing grievance process and cannot discuss specifics as we continue to work toward a resolution.”
The district said they’ve added roughly 3,900 students this year, and they’ve added around 3,000 over the last several.
“I’m hoping they look at this with reason and make the right call,” said Pickel.
Prosper Police said they have taken calls from concerned parents and have increased enforcement in that area and have officers there during school zone times.