Parents protest loss of school-bus run

Some parents whose children attend Manuel Cortez Elementary School can't believe the Clark County School District is kicking their kids off the bus.

In heated and passionate discussions before the Clark County School Board Thursday night, parents voiced their outrage at being told that their children would have to walk nearly two miles to attend the elementary school, located at 4245 E. Tonopah Ave.

Patrick Herron, assistant superintendent of facilities and transportation services, said the bus was only provided temporarily until school signs and a crosswalk were installed. With the safety conditions in place, Herron said the bus service would have to be stopped because the district only provides buses for students 2 or more miles away from school.

"The streets have three to five lanes of traffic," Lisa Murillo said. "We need our children safe. I feel walking this distance is not safe for our children."

Ronald Despensa, director of transportation, said the district sent out 300 letters Jan. 28 informing parents that the bus service would no longer be provided after Tuesday.

But many of the parents who attended the school board meeting said they never got the letter, and they weren't told at the beginning of the school year that the bus was only a temporary service.

"It comes down to more buses and more drivers, and the board doesn't have the money," Herron said.

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