BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
An email sent out by a Baton Rouge Catholic school concerns some parents. It mentions the possibility of some big changes that could impact how their child gets to school each day.
Private and parochial schools use East Baton Rouge buses to get their students to and from school. Now, Catholic school leaders are worried some proposed changes by the EBR school system could mean some big problems for them.
"They've cut us so much. They took the crossing guard," said Michelle Benitez, parent of a Catholic school student. "You know, they've done a lot already. So, I'm not going to say this is not going to affect us, but every year this comes up."
School hour changes for the city's private and parochial schools has come up again. An email was sent out to parents of one Catholic school in Baton Rouge encouraging them to attend this week's EBR budget meeting. The email warns of changes that could mean an end to bus service.
EBR officials says that is not the case. In a statement issued by school officials they tell us:
"All public school systems are required by the state to provide transportation for students enrolled in private and parochial schools, and the East Baton Rouge Parish School System will continue to provide transportation services for the students."
The email also mentions the possibility of school hours being moved. EBR spokesperson Chris Trahan says that would allow EBR schools to save millions of dollars on transportation.
"Work hours for parents are anywhere from six to eight, their starting hours," said Holly Coleman, parent of a Catholic school student. "So I think that would be a hurdle that we would have to figure out how to jump pretty quickly."
"We're blessed to have before and aftercare available here, so I'm not sure how that would affect other parents," said Michelle Benitez.
Others think such a change would not be such a bad idea.
"That works around my time because I have banking hours," said Rhonda Morriesette, parent of a Catholic school student.
"It would give parents, it's the same hours, so I mean if it helps in the big picture then I don't see why not," said Michelle Dagget, parent of a Catholic school student.
Catholic Schools of Baton Rouge released the following statement:
"We're very concerned about the future of East Baton Rouge bus transportation for the students of Catholic schools, and we're asking parents and principals to express their concerns to their school board representatives and the school board office. We're meeting with East Baton Rouge officials this week to personally communicate to them how important bus transportation is to our schools, our students and our parents."
The budget workshop is Wednesday at 5 p.m. at East Baton Rouge school board offices and is open to the public.
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