Letter to Dr. Borja about PSS school buses
I was giving some thought to the problem we are experiencing with the buses and I would like to offer a solution. I would like to suggest that we order all new buses with “steel or metal” seats. Metal seats can even be “fabricated” from tin to accommodate the older buses. We really don’t need padded seats in the tropics anyway because it never gets cold here. The only other reason buses have padded seats is for comfort and aesthetics purposes. Metal seats should also be cheaper than the padded seats.
The primary reason for the seats being torn and the filthy conditions can be attributed to the “betel nut” chewers who tear the back of the seat open to use a spittoon. We must face the fact that we will never end this problem in the near future because it is an acceptable social practice.
We should meet the problem head on by installing the proper equipment (metal seats) and place a small paper cup dispenser with two trashcans (front and rear) on each bus. Betel nut is not banned by federal statute and students will also be “off campus” when they are on the bus.
We should confront the problem and stopping watching it continue to happen or it will continue until someone does deal with it to find a solution. To my knowledge federal laws and authorities have always given lead way for the special conditions that exist in the states and local American society and attempt to deal with the problem to avoid any conflict with the federal requirements. The system’s only point of liability will be to stress the fact that PSS does not condom the use of “cigarettes” by minors in any form of on the buses.
I will bring this issue up in our next Board meeting under miscellaneous matters and I hope that you will seriously consider making the necessary changes in PSS’ policies regarding the seating and practices on the buses. I think it is a simple but effective solution to a problem that has gone on for years. But it only took seven minutes of serious thought for me to come up with this idea; in fact it took longer to write this letter. If you feel the need to discuss this with me please feel free to do so.
Ambrose M. Bennett
BOE Teacher Rep.
