Late this summer we received the email below from Belmont Ridge Middle School informing us that most of the Highlands area of the Lansdowne neighborhood had been deemed a “walking zone”. A walking zone is defined as a home within a 1 mile radius of a school in which no major roadways need to be crossed. As I searched back through countless minutes of school board meetings I saw nothing that stated this movement to be voted on. My only thought is that this decision was made in a vacuum, because what parent would agree to this if it was ever put up to vote. NONE! We all realize that budget cuts needed to be made and were made, but when cuts are made which could possibly sacrifice the safety and well being of our children I think we ALL need to take a long hard look at where this year’s budget is being allocated. It is evident to every parent who was side-swiped by this email that the person/people who decided that this was a good idea is obviously not at all in touch with the reality of our youth today! The top 3 reasons we need buses: #1- The safety of our children #2- The distance and time it takes our kids to walk, especially with the weather and instruments kids must take to and from school. #3- Driving your kids to school is not a solution with the congestion and having working parents trying to get to work and unable to pick-up their kids in the afternoon. The school board needs to take a LONG, hard look at this decision they made and come up with a different solution. This “solution” they came upon this year is a toxic one that given time will surely blow up!