A Pearland mother says she’s facing a difficult and costly dilemma: pay hundreds of dollars for her son’s school bus transportation—or find another way to get him to school, despite what she believes are unsafe walking conditions.
Texas tax-free weekend can help you save on emergency prep suppliesHouston firefighter, doctor wife rush to help victims during Mexico pyramid shooting– A Pearland mother says she’s facing a difficult and costly dilemma: pay hundreds of dollars for her son’s school bus transportation—or find another way to get him to school, despite what she believes are unsafe walking conditions.
The parent, Francesca, says she has been disputing the charges for years. Now, she says the balance has grown to a point that feels overwhelming. She says she recently received notice that she owes roughly $800 in transportation fees, which have accumulated since 2022. She says she was also told the balance could impact her son’s ability to graduate if left unpaid.
Along Dixie Farm Road in Pearland, traffic moves quickly. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, there have been 137 crashes along this stretch since 2023.
‘Abhorrent, disgusting, and entirely unacceptable’: Ashley Gonzalez fired from HPD following racist social media rantUnder Pearland ISD policy, students who live within two miles of their campus must pay for bus service unless they live in an area officially classified as hazardous. According to a district statement, none of the areas in question currently meet that designation.
However, Francesca points out what she sees as a contradiction: while the area isn’t labeled hazardous, students are not allowed to walk or bike to school due to safety concerns. The cost of transportation is typically $640 per year for the first child, and $100 for each child thereafter, with discounts available based on income. Francesca says her discounted rate is about $320 annually, but even that has added up over time.
“I don’t have $800 just to throw out like that,” she said. “Everybody doesn’t have a nanny. Everybody can’t arrange their schedule. Why are you not able to work with me?
”According to the Texas Education Agency, school districts that charge for transportation are required to offer a waiver process for families who cannot afford the fees. Parents can also request a safety review if they believe a route poses a hazard. Questions remain about how those policies are applied in this case. Requests for clarification from Pearland ISD regarding waivers, safety evaluations, and possible flexibility have not yet been answered.
Joy Addison joined the KPRC 2 News team in November of 2024. She is a native Mississippian and moved to Houston in 2019.
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Dixie Farm Road Accidents School Transportation Waivers Pearland ISD Policy Walking To School Safety Hazardous School Routes Texas Pearland ISD Graduation Requirements Education Affordability Texas School Transportation Dispute School Bus Waiver Texas Unsafe Walking Routes Pearland Student Transportation Costs School Safety Concerns Texas School Transportation Pearland School Bus Fees Student Safety Pearland Texas School Transportation Costs School Bus Fees Pearland Pearland ISD Transportation
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