What types of transportation do you and your family use during an average week, and how has this shaped your view of transportation policy for schools?

In an average week, my oldest child takes the CTA or is dropped off by car, while my youngest children are primarily dropped off by car. This experience has made me acutely aware of the various transportation challenges families face. For one, relying on public transit, like the CTA, can present issues of safety and punctuality, especially for students traveling long distances. Additionally, driving children to school comes with its own set of challenges, such as the high cost of gas and the extra time commitment for parents.

This perspective has shaped my view on transportation policy for schools in that I believe it is crucial to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options for all students. Schools should work with city officials to address the gaps in transportation services, ensuring every student has access to quality education without the barrier of how they will get there.

What are some of the transportation challenges that families and students face in your district?

In my district, there are several pressing transportation issues impacting students and their families. One major concern is the lack of bus services for students with disabilities and their siblings who qualify because of them. This puts an undue strain on these families, forcing them to find other, often costly, ways to get their children to school.

While the CTA provides schools with bus cards at a reduced rate, the cost is still a burden for many families. This is particularly true for those with multiple children, and the issue is compounded by the fact that the cards are only valid during certain hours, making it difficult for students who participate in after-school activities to get home. I strongly believe public transit should be free for all students to alleviate this financial strain.

Additionally, the recent rise in gas prices has added to the burden for parents who drive their children to school. Many families are already struggling with the high cost of living, and expensive gas makes daily commutes even more challenging.

Even more concerning, some students are forced to walk to school through dangerous neighborhoods because their families cannot afford transportation—reduced or otherwise. This raises serious safety concerns and highlights the need for a comprehensive transportation policy that ensures all students can get to school safely and affordably. Addressing these challenges is crucial to providing equitable access to education in our district.

School pick up/drop off can be chaotic and at times unsafe. What are ways you think this could be improved?

While traffic control measures like crossing guards, speed bumps, and signage are already in place, there are still opportunities to further enhance safety and efficiency during school pick-up and drop-off:

• Staggered Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times: Adjusting school schedules to allow staggered pick-up and drop-off times can help alleviate congestion. Different grade levels could have slightly offset times to reduce the number of cars and buses converging on the school simultaneously.

• Enhanced Communication: Schools can implement regular communication to parents and guardians about the best practices and designated areas for pick-up and drop-off. Clear instructions, combined with reminders about safety, can encourage smoother operations and reduce chaotic behavior around school premises.

• Volunteer or Parent Patrols: Recruit volunteers or parents to help monitor pick-up and drop-off areas. They can assist in directing traffic and ensure that children get in and out of vehicles safely, helping to create a more orderly process.

• Walking and Biking Initiatives: Schools can promote walking and biking by organizing walking buses or bike trains, where groups of students walk or bike together under the supervision of adults. This not only reduces the number of cars around the school but also promotes health and environmental awareness. Infrastructure Adjustments: While some traffic measures exist, schools can work with city officials to identify areas for additional improvements, such as creating designated lanes for buses and private vehicles or expanding sidewalks to allow safer walking routes.

Studies show that childhood independence is critical for individual development. How can Chicago Public Schools better empower families to allow their children to be able to navigate independently – and most importantly, safely – to and from school?

• Safety Education Programs: Schools can offer workshops on street safety, teaching students how to cross streets safely, identify safe routes, and be aware of their surroundings. These programs should also include guidance on how to handle potentially dangerous situations and what to do in emergencies.

• Safe Passage Programs: Expand CPS's existing Safe Passage Program by involving more community members, local businesses, and volunteers to monitor routes that students use to travel to and from school. This creates a safer environment and provides reassurance to families that children are being watched over during their commutes

• Public Transit Training: Schools could organize training sessions on using public transportation, covering everything from how to read bus/train schedules to understanding personal safety while using public transit. This is particularly important for older students who may use CTA services to travel longer distances

• Parent-Student Travel Plans: Schools can work with families to create individualized travel plans, considering factors like distance, available transportation, and the child's level of independence. This allows parents and children to practice navigating the route together, gradually building confidence and independence.

• Community Support Networks: Establish neighborhood-based support networks where parents and community members coordinate and assist in monitoring students walking or biking to school. A sense of community involvement can help foster a safer environment for all children.

Most CPS students are offered driver's education when the time comes, but few are given the opportunity to learn about alternatives. What kind of educational opportunities around transportation do you think students should have?

• Public Transit Training Sessions: Schools can partner with the CTA to provide interactive workshops on using public transportation. These sessions can include how to read bus and train schedules, use Ventra cards, and identify safe behaviors when commuting. This hands-on training will empower students, especially those who rely on public transit, to navigate the city more confidently.

• Bike Safety Workshops: Collaborate with local bike shops or organizations to host after-school or weekend bike safety workshops. These workshops can teach students the rules of the road, how to wear helmets properly, and basic bike maintenance, promoting cycling as a safe and sustainable mode of transportation

• Pedestrian Safety Programs: Schools can organize pedestrian safety programs to teach students how to safely cross streets, use crosswalks, and stay aware of their surroundings. This can be a short training incorporated into assemblies or after-school programs, equipping students with vital life skills without adding to their regular curriculum.

• Parent-Student Transit Practice: Encourage families to practice transportation routes together. Schools can provide informational resources and encourage parents to take their children through their intended travel routes, whether walking, biking, or using public transit. This practice can help build students' confidence and awareness while involving the family in the process.

Increasingly,  a lack of busing has become a serious burden for many families’ day-to-day lives as services continue to be cut. What are some short-term and long-term solutions that you think would address this?

Short-Term Solutions:

In the short term, I propose that CPS work with rideshare companies, such as Uber or Lyft, to create a school-specific rideshare program. This would provide an immediate alternative for families who lack access to busing services, ensuring that students can safely get to and from school.

Additionally, I think it’s crucial to expand public transit access. CPS should collaborate with the CTA to provide free or heavily subsidized (more than what's already subsidized) public transit passes for all students. This will help ease the financial burden on families and offer students reliable transportation for school, extracurricular activities, and emergencies.

To further support students, we could establish "Walking School Bus" programs. These involve community-led walking groups where designated adults escort students to school. This approach is particularly effective in neighborhoods close to schools, offering a safer alternative to walking alone

As a temporary measure, CPS could contract private bus companies to cover routes most affected by the busing shortages. This isn’t a permanent solution, but it would address immediate needs while we work toward long-term changes.

Long-Term Solutions:

In the long term, I believe CPS needs to reinvest in its school bus fleet, with a focus on accessibility and environmentally friendly options. This would include acquiring buses that accommodate students with disabilities, expanding services to underserved areas, and prioritizing sustainability.

To fund these improvements, I would advocate for transportation funding reforms, whether through state funding or reallocating local budgets. Proper funding is essential to expanding and maintaining quality busing services in the long term.

I also think it's important to address infrastructure by pushing for city-wide policies that support safe walking and biking routes to schools. Upgraded sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic measures can make independent travel safer for students, reducing our reliance on bus services.

Lastly, creating a community-driven transportation advisory board could be key. Bringing together parents, school administrators, and community members would allow us to continually assess transportation needs and recommend ongoing improvements.

For many years now, Chicago Public Schools has failed to meet federally mandated requirements for accessible transportation for students with disabilities. How do you envision ensuring that students with disabilities’ transportation needs are met?

Addressing the transportation needs of students with disabilities is a top priority. I propose increasing funding specifically for special education transportation to cover both the costs of accessible vehicles and the necessary training for staff to assist students with various disabilities safely.

Expanding specialized transport services is another step. We need more accessible buses with features like ramps, lifts, and secure seating. Additionally, these buses should have aides or trained personnel to support students during transit.

To make these services more accessible, I would push for a streamlined application process for families requesting transportation for students with disabilities. It’s essential to create a transparent and responsive system that promptly addresses their needs.

I also envision setting up a monitoring system for regular compliance checks and feedback from families. This could include a hotline or an online platform where parents can report issues or suggest improvements.

Lastly, I would collaborate closely with local advocacy groups for individuals with disabilities to ensure CPS transportation services meet federal requirements and align with the actual needs of students. These groups offer valuable insights and can guide us in implementing best practices effectively.