Pam Dudding
Contributing writer
The members of the Craig County School Board discussed several topics during their most recent monthly meeting, including the desire to keep the driver’s education program within the school.
The board members shared that they are committed to keeping the program; however, they have a difficult time in finding an instructor, which means they may have to discontinue the driving part.
Kelly Thomas, a citizen of Craig, addressed the board about the driver’s education class.
“Please consider the impact that your decision will have on these students and families within the community. As you all know we are located about 40 minutes away from the nearest driver’s ed. This distance is a significant barrier to enrolling our children in these classes. We do not have time because of work. Particularly for my family. If you did not offer it here at the school my son probably could not obtain his license until he is 18. These classes are extremely expensive outside of Craig County,” she said. “The cheapest I was able to find was $450. And this does not include the cost of the seven minimal trips to Roanoke. By providing this program the school is not only helping to ensure that our young drivers are safe and responsible, but it alleviates the burden on the families. Eliminating this program would not only be a disservice to our students but also put an unnecessary strain on families that are already struggling so hard to make ends meet. It could also have an effect on students to not be able to get their license until they’re 18 which could have a negative effect on our students and our community.”
Thomas noted that studies show that students who take driver’s ed are less likely to be involved in accidents and more likely to follow traffic laws.
“Also, our kids need to know how to drive on our roads and maneuver the twists and turns on this side of the mountain,” she added. “Our school motto is Every Child A Graduate and that is great, but I believe our focus should also be on providing life skills to help them be successful.”
Representative Walter Marsden added that he does not wish for the program to be eliminated. The other board members voiced their agreement.
“I don’t even like the idea of charging our students to get their license,” he added.
One of the Craig County students, Michael, shared, “This driver’s ed program is very important to me and getting my license. I think this would be a definite harm to our student body if we don’t have it. I have already taken the written classes and gotten my Lerner’s license so the only thing I have left is behind the wheel training. If I cannot do this with Mr. Crowder here at the school, I am unsure I can afford it as we have looked at prices and the cheapest is $450, not including all the trips I would have to find time to make to Roanoke.”
“I also have a lot of fellow students who are in this exact same position and may not be able to get their license until they are 18 if we do not have this,” he said. “For some students their parents may not be able to support seven trips to Roanoke for them or be able to pay the $450. This keeps many of us from being able to get a job also.”
Much discussion proved that the school board is working diligently in trying to keep the program. Finding an instructor for behind the wheel is their priority.
