Petition Launched to Address School Bus Safety in Saugus

Students in Saugus, Massachusetts, are facing safety concerns as budget cuts to school transportation services prompt community action. A petition titled “Put Kids First” has emerged on change.org, advocating for the restoration of safe busing options for all students following cuts to the school budget for the fiscal year 2026.

At a recent Town Meeting, a significant turnout of students, teachers, and community supporters expressed their disappointment over funding decisions that did not align with the budget proposed by the School Committee. Instead, the budget suggested by the Finance Committee was approved, leaving the schools without the essential funds they sought. This outcome forced the School Committee to spend considerable time analyzing the budget, ultimately leading to tough choices regarding transportation services.

The petition highlights pressing issues surrounding the current busing policies, which stipulate that students in grades K-6 living more than two miles from school are eligible for bus service. In contrast, students in grades 7-12 living at the same distance do not qualify. With approximately 90% of students residing within a two-mile radius of their schools, the majority are left without transportation options.

According to the petition, only about 10% of students are currently using the bus service, categorizing the situation as a “town safety problem” rather than simply a “getting to school problem.” The document emphasizes that the limited bus availability has resulted in unsafe walking conditions for students and increased traffic congestion throughout the town.

“Saugus’ 2-mile rule may appear to be a cost-saving measure. In reality, it creates unsafe walking routes, thousands of additional car trips, and obstructed emergency exits,” the petition states.

The petitioners argue that by adhering to Massachusetts’ requirement to provide bus service for K-6 students living over two miles away, the schools would be prioritizing safety for all children. They are calling on the School Committee to revise the current standards and take action to ensure safe transportation for students.

The petition specifies three key requests: “Restore bus service so all Saugus students have a safe way to school,” “declare unsafe routes non-walkable,” and “use real-world math: the ‘savings’ disappear when thousands of car trips jam roads and delay emergency response.”

As the school year progresses, the community’s collective voice continues to advocate for a solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of Saugus students.