‘It’s not safe:’ Local parents react to new Duval County school bus policy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Monday, more than 100,00 students return to school in Duval County, but some will be walking to school instead of taking the bus.

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That’s because the school district voted in May to change the bussing policy. Buses used to pick up all students who lived more than a mile and a half away from their school.

“When you look at the distance between my neighborhood and Edward White High School, going both directions of Normandy, it’s not safe and there’s no sidewalks,” Darrell Singleton, a Jacksonville resident, said.

Now, middle and high schoolers have to live at least two miles from their school to get a lift. This will impact about 1,100 students across the county.

Some parents told Action News Jax Shanila Kabir the new rule is dangerous and unfair, especially for students who have to walk along Normandy Boulevard.

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“I would never let my kids walk on Normandy Boulevard to go to school. But that’s just me,” said Ryan Woodley, a Jacksonville resident.

However, the new rule complies with state law. The district is expected to save up to $500,00 with the change.

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