I am a school bus driver, one of several well-trained, dedicated individuals. When we get behind the wheel of a bus we are keenly aware of the extraordinary responsibility that we choose to accept. We are deeply committed to safely transport our kids, regardless of conditions.

After years of negotiating poorly plowed streets in Greenfield, I question whether the management of the Greenfield Department of Public Works shares that same level of commitment to ensuring the safety of our kids.

This past Wednesday is an example. Despite a two-hour delay, at 8 a.m. driving to work through the slush on Colrain Road was like being yanked all over the road by a gigantic magnet.

By 8:45 I was on my way with a 15-ton bus to pick up kids. At each stop and intersection, even at a crawl, because of the slush and ice, my bus would slip before coming to a complete stop. So glad that I’ve trained the kids to wait far from the road.

I am especially concerned for our kids who walk to school. Crosswalks are covered; cars cannot stop at intersections; drivers fly past kids who are forced to walk on the narrow roads.

The safety of our kids should be our highest priority. For that reason, I urge parents, guardians, school administrators, city officials, and kids to pressure DPW management to improve the timing and quality of storm cleanup.

Amy MacKenzie

Greenfield