October 22, 2019 - I must convey a HUGE thank you to all of you who supported my petition to the Peel District School Board and STOPR Transit, requesting a seat on the school bus for my oldest child who was previously denied a courtesy seat to join her two younger siblings who are eligible to ride the bus this school year. As you know, I was frustrated with this challenge because the school bus passes our home and has more than enough empty seats available but due to PDSB eligibility criteria based on grade and distance of the home from the school my grade 2 child has been unable to ride, even though her kindergarten siblings could ride. This inequality has caused me to forgo the bus (as it arrives very close to when the bell rings) and walk all three children to and from school each day and sometimes pay for Mississauga Transit. A short distance for an adult is double the time for tiny kindergarten legs! Today, I was scheduled to 'Delegate' the Board of Trustees at their meeting this evening. This is a public meeting where I had planned to present my challenge and recommended solutions. I had everything prepared to speak but the PDSB has provided a resolution in writing ahead of this evening which allows all three children to ride the bus effective Monday, October 28! I appreciate that I could rely on the village of Peel parents...thank you for your help in this victory! Parents, if you have a challenge never feel defeated, exercise your right to communicate with your school Principal, Superintendent, Trustee, MP, MPP and the Director of Education until an amicable resolution is presented. Have a great week! Kind regards, Tina-Marie Williams