In February, The Record was contacted by Saint-François-Xavier-de-Brompton resident Mike Pezzi, concerned about his 11-year-old son’s safety, walking along the shoulder of Route 249 to the school bus stop. Months later, Pezzi and his son, now 12, are still waiting for answers. Beginning in October, Pezzi approached the bus driver as well as the Eastern Townships School Board to request bus pickup and drop-off in front of his home to ensure his son’s safety. His request was denied. Pezzi’s next step was to contact the Student Ombudsman. He also went to the March ETSB council of commissioners meeting. Pointing to a measure in the board’s transportation policy where the board has the authority to approve the designation of zones, Pezzi asked that the board consider designating the stretch of road to the bus stop a danger zone, which would entitle his son accommodations for a safe pickup. Pezzi returned to the council of commissioners at the April meeting held this past Tuesday, asking for an update. According to Pezzi, he was told that a sub-committee has been formed to look into the situation. That committee is expected to meet with the transportation committee on May 8, and the findings will be brought before the council for a decision, he said. Pezzi received a response from Student Ombudsman Christian Beaudry. In a letter to Pezzi, Beaudry explained that the safety of pedestrians lies within the jurisdiction of the municipality and not the school board, so he was unable to address the complaint. See full story in the Friday, April 27th edition of The Record.
Concerned parent still waiting for the bus to stop
