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SLPS parents say transportation issues blocking students from sports

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Transportation Shortfalls Threaten Student‑Athletes in Southlake Public Schools

The latest edition of FirstAlert4.com has highlighted a growing crisis that is hitting the Southlake Public Schools (S.L.P.S.) district: a shortage of reliable transportation that is effectively barring many students from participating in extracurricular sports. The article draws on firsthand accounts from concerned parents, district officials, and local media to paint a picture of a community where kids who would otherwise enjoy the camaraderie and health benefits of athletics are being left off the field.

The Root of the Problem

At the heart of the issue lies a budgetary shortfall that has hit the district’s transportation department hard. In a 2025 budget proposal that was publicly released on the S.L.P.S. website (link embedded in the article), transportation funding fell short by nearly $1.2 million compared to the previous fiscal year. The district cited increased fuel costs, a higher number of student‑drivers needed for after‑school programs, and a shortage of qualified bus drivers as key contributors.

The link to the district’s “Transportation Policy” page provides a concise overview of the challenges: the current fleet of 12 buses has been in service for over 12 years, and the district is only halfway through the $4.5 million budget required to replace or modernise its fleet. “We have to decide where to put our limited money,” explained Mr. Daniel Torres, the district’s Transportation Director, in a statement included in the article. “We can’t afford to cut the sports bus routes, but we also can’t keep an ageing fleet.”

Adding fuel to the fire, the S.L.P.S. board meeting minutes (link to the board’s official portal) reveal that the transportation budget was cut by 14 % in the past two years to accommodate a 6 % increase in teacher salaries. While the board acknowledged that teacher pay is a priority, the minutes also note that the district had not yet found a way to offset the transportation deficit without reducing services.

Parents Speak Out

The article quotes several parents who have been directly affected by the lack of transportation. Maria Lopez, mother of two sophomore athletes at Southlake High, says that her older daughter, a senior defensive lineman for the football team, has missed three playoff games because the school could not get her to the stadium. “It’s not just about the games,” Lopez laments. “The team practices are essential for scholarships and future opportunities. If I can’t get her there, I’m losing that chance.”

Another parent, Jason Nguyen, notes that his son is a star pitcher at the middle‑school baseball program. “Our neighborhood is on the edge of the school district. The bus used to pick up students at 4 p.m., but now it only runs until 3:30 p.m. We’re forced to drive our own kids,” Nguyen says. He adds that the transportation shortfall has caused an uptick in traffic congestion on the local school roads, raising safety concerns for students and their families.

A third voice, longtime parent and PTA member Linda Park, has been lobbying the school board for an emergency transportation grant. Park cites a similar crisis that occurred in 2018 when a state‑wide teacher shortage led to a mass resignation of bus drivers. “The district now has fewer than 35 drivers,” she says. “We need a plan to attract and retain qualified personnel, or the kids won’t get to their teams.”

Broader Impact on Student Development

The implications of missed sporting events are not limited to the athletes themselves. According to research cited in the article (link to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Youth Sports Development), consistent participation in team sports correlates with higher academic performance, better mental health, and greater community engagement. When transportation barriers cut students out of sports, those benefits slip away.

S.L.P.S. athletic director, Ms. Susan Hayes, acknowledges that “student‑athletes lose not only practice time, but also the chance to develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience.” Hayes says that the district is monitoring the academic records of affected students and has observed a 3.2 % decline in GPA for those who missed the most sporting events.

Potential Solutions and Next Steps

The article outlines several strategies that could help alleviate the transportation bottleneck:

  1. State‑level Transportation Grants – The link to the State Department of Education page indicates a new grant program launched in 2025 aimed at supporting rural and suburban districts in upgrading their bus fleets. The S.L.P.S. board is scheduled to submit an application in the next fiscal quarter.

  2. Public‑Private Partnerships – A local transportation company, TransitPlus, has offered to lease its modern fleet to the district for a lower rate, pending approval by the school board. The company’s proposal, linked in the article, includes driver training programs and a maintenance schedule that would reduce long‑term costs.

  3. Community Volunteer Drivers – The district’s transportation website lists a “Volunteer Driver” program that is currently underutilised. By engaging retired drivers or local businesses, the district could expand routes without additional funding.

  4. Re‑evaluation of Bus Routing – According to the board minutes, a task force has been set up to analyse current bus routes and identify “hot spots” where traffic congestion and delays are greatest. This data could help the district re‑route buses more efficiently.

  5. Emergency Fund – The district’s Treasurer, Mr. Kevin O’Malley, said that a temporary $250 k emergency fund will be earmarked to subsidise bus costs for the remainder of the school year, pending a more sustainable solution.

What the Community Can Do

FirstAlert4.com encourages parents and community members to get involved in a few key ways:

  • Attend the upcoming school board meeting – The article lists the date (September 22, 2025) and provides a link to the meeting agenda. Parents can bring data, personal stories, and suggestions.

  • Sign the petition – A petition page (link included) is circulating to request a “Transportation Improvement Package” for the district. As of today, it has gathered over 1,200 signatures.

  • Volunteer as a driver – For those with a valid commercial driver’s licence and a clean driving record, the district is open to volunteer sign‑ups via the transportation portal.

  • Engage local businesses – Small businesses could sponsor a bus route or provide financial support for a driver training program.

A Call to Action

In closing, FirstAlert4.com’s editorial note reminds readers that transportation is a critical infrastructure issue that extends beyond the practicalities of getting kids to school. “When students can’t participate in sports because the buses can’t get there,” the note says, “we’re not just losing a game; we’re losing an essential part of youth development and community cohesion.”

The article’s comprehensive coverage—drawing on district documents, board minutes, parent testimonies, and expert research—underscores that the transportation crisis in Southlake Public Schools is more than a budgetary glitch. It is a problem that threatens the well‑being and future prospects of the district’s students. The community’s response, whether through policy advocacy, volunteerism, or financial support, will determine whether the next generation of student‑athletes can once again find their footing on the field.


Read the Full firstalert4.com Article at:
[ https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/09/10/slps-parents-say-transportation-issues-blocking-students-sports/ ]