JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. — Parents in a new Jefferson Hills neighborhood say their children are being put in danger because of where the school bus stop is located.
Families who live in the Deer Hollow housing plan say their children, from kindergartners to high schoolers, must walk about a half mile to get to the stop at Gill Hall Road and Arnoni Drive. Parents say the stretch is busy, has no sidewalks, no traffic lights and no crossing guard.
“We are just out here trying to keep our kids safe on the way to school and back,” said Kristen Sanutelli, a parent in the neighborhood. “There is no traffic lights, no crossing guard, no speed bumps, no flashing lights — nothing.”
Another parent, Erica Bailey, says it’s especially dangerous for the youngest children.
“I live at the very bottom of the cul-de-sac. From my house up here, it’s a full half mile. It’s very dangerous. There’s no sidewalks.”
Parents have asked the West Jefferson Hills School District to add a stop closer to their homes, but the district says buses cannot safely turn around inside the development.
The superintendent told Channel 11 that buses did two trial runs in the cul-de-sacs, but the turns were not considered safe. Parents say video of the test shows the buses could have easily made the turns with one backup.
“The trial run was considered unsuccessful,” Sanutelli said. “However, if you look back at the footage, they could have probably easily made it. They could have just backed up once. It would be more safe to back up than stand up here with all of this traffic that flies by the road.”
Superintendent Janet Sardon told Channel 11 in a statement:
“We are doing the best we can while following appropriate safety guidelines, not just sitting in our offices. Nothing is going to change regarding this stop.”
Sardon also said:
- The Gill Hall and Arnoni intersection is the safest option.
- There is no way to get in and out of the Deer Hollow cul-de-sacs without a two- or three-point turn.
- Roads in the plan are still in development and have not yet been turned over to the borough.
- Parents in West Jefferson Hills are required to be with their children at bus stops from kindergarten through second grade.
- This year, no students will have to cross Gill Hall Road to get to the stop.
Parents say they’re not asking for special treatment — just safety.
“We love this district. We just want safety for our children. I’m sure they do too. I’m not understanding why we are getting such pushback,” Sanutelli said.
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