THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, SEpTEmbEr 5, 2025 ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ Page 3 Saugus Public Schools bus transportation policy is putting some children at risk Dear Editor: I’m reaching out with an urgent concern regarding a pressing issue in Saugus that is jeopardizing children’s safety and access to education. My son, Elias, a fi fth grader at Belmonte STEAM Academy, has been denied school transportation due to a rigid district policy that excludes families like ours — those who live just under the 2-mile eligibility threshold but face signifi cant hardship. Elias’s situation is not unique. Families with low-income or single-parent households are being forced to send their children to school without transportation, despite the fact that walking routes are unsafe and there are no alternatives provided by the school district. This policy — while technically adhering to the district’s guidelines — fails to consider the very real dangers and challenges that families like ours face. Elias lives 1.6 miles from school, and without access to private transportation, he is left without a safe way to get to class. I’ve attempted to address this issue at every level — from fi ling complaints with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to appealing directly to the Town Manager and school offi cials. Yet, no solution has been found. The system’s refusal to provide transportation has left vulnerable children HOUSING AUTHORITY | FROM PAGE 2 stranded and unable to attend school safely. I’m asking for your help to investigate and raise awareness of this issue. By reporting on how the Saugus School District’s policies are impacting families, you could shine a light on the larger systemic gaps that are leaving children in precarious situations. Thank you for your time and consideration. This issue is urgent, and your coverage could make a critical diff erence for children like Elias who deserve a safe and equitable path to education. The issue is the policy that disregards the dangers, unsafe conditions, no sidewalks, no cross guards, congested roads with drivers rushing and heading to work, single parent working and living with medical conditions and very limited means to pay for private transportation I’m sure this is happening in many households in Saugus. I have the conviction that this is wrong and I want to encourage other parents to be vocal as well. Sincerely, Alfonso Ceciliano 50 A rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers to own an affordable condo in Malden! o own an affordable Affordable Homes for Sale in Malden! omes alden!!n!ldeenalden omes alden! ome Scan QR to apply APPLY ONLINE OR IN PERSON How to apply www.tndinc.org 4 Gerrish Ave Rear, A LOT OF HOMEWORK AHEAD: Executive Director Joseph A. Hart in his Housing Authority offi ce at Heritage Heights. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. 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