Tragedy on the Road: Pasco County's Struggle to Ensure Student Safety

In a heartbreaking incident, an 11-year-old girl was struck by a car while riding her bike to school in New Port Richey, Florida. The crash has shed light on a larger issue plaguing the Pasco County School District, as parents continue to fight for their children's right to safe transportation to and from school.

Protecting Our Children: A Desperate Plea for School Bus Access

A Mother's Relentless Fight for Her Daughter's Safety

Jennifer Reznick has been pleading with the Pasco County School District for years to allow her daughter, Cherie, to take the school bus. Reznick's concerns were not unfounded, as her worst fears were realized when Cherie was hit by a car while cycling to school. "She laid in the road, obviously shocked and stunned she had just been hit by a car," Reznick recounted, her voice laced with anguish. The incident has only strengthened Reznick's resolve to ensure her daughter's safety, but the school district's rigid policies have made her fight an uphill battle.

The Arbitrary Two-Mile Rule and Its Consequences

In Pasco County, students are only eligible for school bus transportation if they live more than two miles from their school. Reznick's home is just one-tenth of a mile short of this arbitrary threshold, leaving her daughter without access to the bus. This policy has proven to be a dangerous one, as evidenced by Cherie's accident. Reznick's pleas for an exception have fallen on deaf ears, even after her daughter was struck by a car. "This is not a safe situation," Reznick said, her frustration palpable. "I've asked repeatedly for a bus and I've been denied and I'm still being denied even after my child was hit by a car."

The Superintendent's Dilemma: Balancing Fairness and Practicality

Superintendent Kurt Browning acknowledges the challenges faced by the school district, citing a shortage of bus drivers as a primary factor. "It's unfortunate, but I keep asking my staff the question, when is two miles not two miles?" Browning said, highlighting the district's struggle to maintain a consistent policy. He explained that making exceptions could open the floodgates for other parents seeking similar accommodations, creating an unsustainable situation. "If you make an exception here, then the next parent comes in and says but says I live 1.9 miles, I need a bus and we say we can't do that and they say but you did it here, here and here why aren't you doing it for me," Browning said. While the superintendent's concerns are understandable, the safety of students should be the top priority.

The Aftermath: Cherie's Recovery and the Ongoing Fight for Change

Despite the traumatic incident, Cherie is expected to recover from her injuries. However, the emotional toll on the family is immeasurable. Reznick continues to advocate for her daughter's safety, determined to prevent similar accidents from occurring. The driver who fled the scene was arrested, but the larger issue of transportation access remains unresolved. As Reznick persists in her fight, the Pasco County School District must reevaluate its policies and prioritize the well-being of its students, ensuring that no child is left vulnerable on the road.