Franklin Township parents critical of plan to purchase police cruisers

Some Franklin Township parents, who have refused to pay for busing, are outraged by planned purchases by the school corporation. The superintendent intends to spend thousands of dollars to replace three of their police officers' cruisers.

Parent Lora Hoagland said the school corporation's decision to outsource bus transportation to a nonprofit, that is charging a fee, created a tough situation for countless parents.

"I can't afford the bus fee. I can't afford $100 a month," said Lora Hoagland.

"First off, we couldn't afford it. Secondly, I wouldn't just because it isn't right," said Shelly O'Brien, another parent.

Hoagland and O'Brien said they are simply confused by news of a big purchase.

"To purchase the cars right now, when people are struggling to get their kids to school is just inappropriate," said Hoagland.

Superintendent Dr. Walter Bourke posted a lengthy statement on the school corporation's website.

In part, he wrote, "our officers are very visible across our community as they travel from school to school in what are noticeably old and aging police vehicles."

Bourke said the purchase has been postponed for years.

He continued, "at our current rate, repair and maintenance costs exceed the cost of replacement every 2-3 years and the rate is increasing.  Our only choice is to replace the vehicles or do without."

State Representive Mike Speedy, (R) Indianapolis, said he is concerned about the school corporation's financial decision-making particularly their move to outsource busing.

"I think it played a big part in why close to 600 students left the school system in one year," said Rep. Speedy.

Speedy is looking at drafting legislation that would prevent this type of busing arrangement.

Hoagland, meanwhile, said she wants the 'inappropriate' spending stopped. She has sued the district hoping to get free bus service reinstated.

The lawsuit claims alllowing an outside organization to charge parents for bus service violated Indiana's constitution that says public education must be tuition-free.

Bourke has said he is not worried about the lawsuit.

The Franklin Township School Corporation employs three full-time police officers and two part-time officers.

The superintendent said one of the new cruisers will be purchased using vending machine funds, and the other two cruisers will be purchased with rainy day funds.

Parents had initially asked school officials to use those funds to pay for busing.