May 2019 Foster Care Special Edition

ENVISION EQUITY MAY 2019
Have No Fear
Transportation is Here
DBy Tonya Clinkscales—Transportation, Jefferson County Public Schools
ue to the hardship each student in foster care endures, it’s the
responsibility of the community, the Cabinet, and the District to
provide educational continuity for the students of Jefferson County
Public Schools. This task at times can be complex, complicated, and
sometimes impossible. Providing transportation outside of a student’s
attendance area, network and/or cluster limits the availability of buses.
Transportation realized our foster care population was expanding and more
students were in need of stability. Even though the laws of foster care allows
students to stay in their school of origin this became a more complex task.
In 2018, the transportation department met with cabinet members of Jefferson County Public Schools
and voiced our concerns, and the responsibility we have for all students of Jefferson County including
foster care students. Transportation was allotted a budget to purchase 6 vans, and 8 buses dedicated
to foster care students. I work with all 13 compounds daily to assist in this task. We are currently
transporting 238 students. I take so much pride in working with each family, as I search high and low
for a bus for each of my students to give them stability, comfort, and some consistency during their
time of hardship. When working for my students, I am diligent in making certain that they receive the
attention and support. I spend time searching each route individually to provide the best, most
effective services to my students. Their education is important regardless of their status or where they
live.
As one who has faced challenges and continues to strive for my personal best, I understand the
importance of community guidance and partnership. Therefore, I am committed to serving my
community through services such as, providing motivational conversations with single mothers and
young ladies, organizing job fairs in the community, contributing business clothing for young ladies
seeking employment, working with The Center for Women and Families to provide necessary items for
families starting over, providing transportation for church functions in the community, as well as
transportation for after school activities for disadvantaged children.
I believe that my life experiences were fated to allow me the personal challenge and growth necessary
to be able to go forward and share with my community, helping others who face the same adversity,
giving them the necessary tools to turn their obstacles into opportunities. After all, everyone deserves
an opportunity.
Thank you again for allowing me to provide service to the most important students in our District.
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