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Safely Transport Our Kids!!!
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OTHER RELATED SITES:
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The last song Ric learned to play on his keyboard was Beethoven's 9th (Ode to Joy)
his funeral procession
...and the Cherub stands before God!
Glad how his suns fly;
through the sky's magnificant plan
brothers run your orbit joyful, like a hero to win.
Be embraced, millions,
this kiss to the whole world!
(lyrics)
Eric C. Martin
10/30/88 to 10/28/99
(music courtesy of Gene Bitner: Amarillo Boy Choirs under the direction of Billy Talley, May 1990)
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The reason for this page is to remember our little angel, Eric Carlyle Martin who was killed on October 28, 1999.
The purpose of this page is to ensure the safe transport of all school aged children, each and every day. We need to have adequate local policies, state and federal laws to protect our children while being transported to and from school.
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Eric Remembered
He was a bright, fun, happy 10 year old who was diagnosed with ADHD by school request. He loved reading, last read "The Sword of Shannara" by Terry L. Brooks, and "The Hobbit" was read in about 3 days. He was very wise and thoughtful for a young child, was a computer and electrical gadget expert by 5, loved animals particularly sea life, he was kind to ALL (frequently amusing toddlers in his spare time). Eric was fair to a fault, brave and patriotic, appreciated all the 'little things' in life, handsome, and loving. He needed his back rubbed nightly, was afraid of the dark, and hated gory movies. He did say he "wasn't afraid of ghosts, since there really aren't any. They're all angels!" Ric loved the Tampa Bay Bucs, was funny, bouncy, my shadow, loved soccer and Garfield. Some little girl lost the love of her life on October 28, 1999 and doesn't know it yet....
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"Bailey" is the Bearded Collie pup that Ric asked about every day for months preceeding his death. He was to be Ric's 'very own' dog. Bailey was born 2 weeks after Eric died, and came home in January. His registered name is "Balidorn Eric's Wish".
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ERIC'S STORY
On October 28, 1999 Eric was being transported home from his first day of a new after school program designed to save the expense of summer school. It ran from 4 to 6 p.m. Two different school administrators each spoke with my husband and myself the preceeding afternoon and morning of the program. We were each assured that it wasn't neccessary to pick him up since 'free bus service' would be provided, and he'd be brought to his 'regular bus stop' between 6:15 and 6:20. In fact, the last lady told me she was adding his name to the roster as we spoke at 10:30 that morning. Eric was not there, they weren't sure for days which bus they'd put him on! The principal, not wanting to "babysit until 8, if these parents had their way.." shuffled the 'stragglers' onto the last bus and told the driver to figure out where they went. We found that despite this Eric had been put on the right bus. The driver didn't know any of the 12 children, was provided with an old route list, and a student roster showing only 10 passengers. No! She never came to the stop we'd been told he'd be coming to, in fact she didn't stop at the one closest on the list, either! Another passenger was told it didn't matter that they were the wrong stops, at least there were sidewalks where she was left off. After I returned home from looking for him at the school, I called the school, teachers, and the school district. They don't even maintain voicemail for after hours. So, I phoned the Sherriff's Department while my husband searched the school room by room. I was told that schools don't provide the law officials with contact numbers either, but they'd find someone. A few minutes later, the Transportation Supervisor called me to say, "Don't worry, this happens all the time. This is how I spend my nights, tracking down kids." He sobered up when I told him, "Not my child, and it better NOT be happening all the time". Sadly, I've found this to be true...This man got the driver on her radio, and she stated that Eric wasn't even on her bus. She'd had a question about a boy 5 miles from here, but he was "much smaller". This conversation took place at about 7:05, Eric was struck and killed walking home from that stop 5 miles down a fast 2 lane rural road 20 minutes later. The road had no sidewalks, a construction zone, no emergency phones, and waist high weeds on both sides. He had walked more than 3 of the 5 miles carrying a 20 pound bookbag in less than an hour. The school district's security officer did a self serving internal investigation deeming the driver not at fault. The bus security tape was 'inadvertently' taped over the next day, witness statements left out of reports, etc.. The driver is currently transporting full busloads of children daily, the same administrators are in charge of their safety while on campus.
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My Fight
With all of the recent focus on seatbelts for schoolbuses and weapons in schools, I have found that issue just to be the "tip of the iceberg'. Who are these adults who are responsible for your child during school? We as parents have the right to be assured that when we put our most precious assets on a bus in the morning, they will safely be returned to the same stop after the schoolday ends. Despite a national shortage of schoolbus drivers, teachers, and school personnel, it is imperative that these people take their responsibilities seriously! I was told repeatedly that night that "this happens all the time"! I have found this to be true, but it SHOULDN'T be happening at all. In my experience, we need to make sure that local agency communication is open. School administrators must be accessible after the last schoolbell rings, at least by the local law personnel. Are your local policies explicit, and your state laws up to date? Many states require NO background check on these contractual employees. How are your tax dollars being used for transporting your child? Your mailman delivering your bills is checked more thoroughly than those in charge of your children in your stead. Do you feel that the standards should be any lower in the care of school children? Please let me know of your own experiences or concerns.
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